Type 2, Arrow and Rays Type 2, Arrow and Rays

Type 2, Arrow and Rays

Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Date: 1853
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 12.44 grams (191.97 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 4,860,708
Proof Mintage: Fewer than 10

In 1853, when the authorized weight of the half dollar was reduced from 206.25 grains to 192 grains, the change was noted on the coins by the addition of small arrowheads to each side of the date and rays above the eagle on the reverse. Otherwise, the Liberty Seated motif remained the same as used from 1839 onward. Just two varieties were produced: the 1853 Philadelphia issue of which 3,532,708 were made, and the 1853-O (New Orleans) with a mintage of 1,328,000.

Examples of the type are readily available in grades from Good through Extremely Fine or AU. Uncirculated coins are scarce, and truly superb Uncirculated pieces are rare.

Circulation Strike
Circulation Strike
Circulation Strike
Proof Strike
Proof Strike
Proof Strike

Join our mailing list

Don't miss an auction!

Subscribe to our newsletter.

 

Contact Us

West Coast Office • (800) 458-4646

Midwest Office • (800) 817-2646

East Coast Office • (800) 566-2580

info@stacksbowers.com
 

Hong Kong, China Office • +852 2117 1191

infohk@stacksbowers.com
 

Copenhagen, Denmark • +45 80 40 49 42

infodk@stacksbowers.com

Global locations

Additional representatives
available worldwide.

Follow Us




Subscribe to
Our Newsletter

We are sorry, an unexpected error occurred!
Please enter a valid email address

I'm Interested In...

Thank You!

Thank you for subscribing to the Stack's Bowers Galleries e-newsletter.