1853 Liberty Seated Silver Half Dime — Arrows at Date

1853 Liberty Seated Silver Half Dime — Arrows at Date

Own an important piece of mid-19th-century American numismatic history with this 1853 Liberty Seated Silver Half Dime, featuring the distinctive Arrows at Date design introduced during a major change in United States silver coinage.

The Liberty Seated Half Dime was produced from 1837 through 1873 and represents one of the most recognizable designs in early American silver coinage. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the series circulated during an era of westward expansion, the California Gold Rush, and rapid economic development.

The 1853 Liberty Seated Half Dime is especially interesting because it represents a transitional period in American monetary history.

Under the Coinage Act of 1853, the United States reduced the weight of circulating silver denominations below the dollar. This change was intended to discourage the melting and hoarding of silver coins, which had become increasingly common as the market value of their silver content rose above their face value.

To distinguish coins produced under the new weight standard, the United States Mint placed arrows on either side of the date. These arrows appeared on half dimes during 1853 through 1855, creating a short-lived and highly collectible design type.

The obverse features Lady Liberty seated upon a rock, holding a shield inscribed LIBERTY and a staff topped with a Phrygian cap. Thirteen stars surround the design, representing the original American colonies, while the date 1853 is flanked by arrows.

The reverse features a wreath surrounding the denomination HALF DIME, with the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircling the design.

This example is attributed to the Philadelphia Mint, which produced the majority of the nation's coinage during this period. Philadelphia issues carry no mint mark.

With an original mintage of 13,210,020 business strikes, the 1853 Philadelphia Half Dime is a popular example of the Arrows at Date design.

Struck in 90% silver, this historic half dime contains approximately 0.0362 troy ounces of pure silver. Its small size and distinctive design make it an appealing addition to collections of early American silver coinage.

Whether collected as part of a Liberty Seated Half Dime series, an Arrows at Date type set, or a broader collection of 19th-century United States coins, the 1853 Half Dime offers an interesting connection to the evolution of American monetary policy.

Product Details

• Denomination: Half Dime ($0.05 USD)

• Year: 1853

• Mint: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark; verify)

• Series: Liberty Seated Half Dime (1837–1873)

• Type: Arrows at Date

• Original Mintage: 13,210,020 business strikes (Philadelphia)

• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

• Standard Weight: 1.24 grams

• Diameter: 15.5 mm

• Actual Silver Weight (ASW): Approximately 0.0362 Troy Ounces

• Designer: Christian Gobrecht

• Obverse: Seated Liberty holding a shield and liberty pole, with arrows flanking the date

• Reverse: Wreath surrounding HALF DIME, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the design

• Mint Mark Location: None on Philadelphia issues; New Orleans issues have an O on the reverse

• Edge: Reeded

• Condition: See product photographs for the exact coin offered

• Quantity: One individual coin

Please Note: This listing is for one specific 1853 Liberty Seated Half Dime. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.