Seated Liberty Half Dollar Good 1853-O Arrows & Rays

The American government started the year 1853 with a tragedy. President elect Franklin Pierce and his family were involved in a train accident. America was lucky that the future president was unharmed, but Pierce’s son died in the accident. Pierce would take the oath of office less than two months later. The Vice President would not be so lucky. William King died from tuberculosis in April without having served any duty for the office. Outside of government and to end on a positive note, it is believed that the potato chip was invented in Saratoga, New York.

By this time, the New Orleans Mint was in full swing. It received the new dies including the arrows through the date and the rays surrounding the eagle on the reverse.These changes were added to show that the weight of the coin had decreased. The New Orleans Mint issued over 1.3 million half dollars with these new additions in 1853. Finding this issue in mint state is a difficult enterprise. It is believed that less than 150 1853-O Seated Liberty half dollars with arrows and rays exist today. Although the coins were well struck by the New Orleans Mint, the coins themselves were widely circulated for many decades. Even those collectors looking for circulated grades, this coin is more elusive than its Philadelphia Mint counterparts.

Obviously at this time, no other mint than the Philadelphia Mint made proof coins.Therefore, there are no proof issues of the 1853-O Seated Liberty half dollar with rays and arrows. There are, however, some varieties. Some coins do not have drapery on Liberty’s elbow. This was simply a problem with the die. Speaking of which, there were fifteen obverse and nine reverse dies. If you have any questions regarding the Seated Liberty half dollar or varieties, please contact any of our knowledgeable staff at 800-735-1311, and we’ll be happy to assist you!