Numismatic

1854 Liberty Seated Half Dollar w/Arrows XF

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In 1854, the Philadelphia Mint produced a silver half dollar that captures a fascinating moment in American coinage design. This fifty-cent piece is instantly recognizable by the small arrows placed on either side of the date on the obverse. Struck in 0.900 fine silver, the coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal and represents the craftsmanship of the era in an Extra Fine state of preservation. The obverse features a classic representation of Liberty seated on a rock. In her hands, she holds a staff topped with a liberty cap, while her other hand rests on a shield inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Below this central figure, the year 1854 is flanked by the distinctive arrowheads. This design, originally created by Christian Gobrecht, presents a serene yet powerful national symbol. On the reverse, the coin displays a detailed eagle perched upon an olive branch, grasping three arrows in its talons. A shield is positioned across the eagle's breast, mirroring the shield on the obverse. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arches over the top of the design, while the denomination HALF DOL. is positioned below. Because this coin was struck at the main Philadelphia facility, it does not bear a mint mark, leaving the space around the design clean and uncluttered.