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
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.
