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1853 Seated Liberty Half Dollar - Arrows and Rays

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1853

Denomination

Half Dollar

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891

Designer

Thomas Sully/Christian Gobrecht

Mintage

3,532,708

Composition

90% Silver, 10% Copper

Weight

12.4g

Diameter

30mm

Edge

Reeded

Value Estimates

$83 - $3,656

Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.

Auction Record

Price realized: $94,000
Sold: 17 July 2015
Grade: MS66+
Auction house: Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1853 Seated Liberty Half Dollar - Arrows and Rays, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, is part of the Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891 collection. The U.S. Mint produced 3.5 million examples, making this the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 73% of the year's production. The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole surmounted by a Phrygian liberty cap in her left hand and a shield inscribed LIBERTY in her right and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons. Arrows at date and rays on reverse mark the weight reduction. The 1853-O "No Arrows" is extremely rare with only four known. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $83 to $3.7K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.44 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6275.