Seated Liberty Half Dollar 50c Arrows at Date, No Motto Reverse, 1854-1855 PR [Type]

Designer: Christian Gobrecht. Weight: 12.44 grams. Composition: .900 silver, .100 copper. Diameter: 30.6 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco.

Key to Collecting: Enough were made that examples are easily enough found today. However, similar to the above, quality can be another matter entirely. Circulated coins are found in proportion to the mintage. Mint State pieces are plentiful for this issue, and a few decades ago it was not particularly unusual to find them in small groups, particularly the 1854-O (the largest mintage of the type). However, by now nearly all such groups have been dispersed, and coins are found one at a time. Select with care.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Check all of the features of Liberty on the obverse, including the head; check the stars; and on the reverse, check the eagle and other details.

Proof Coins: Proofs were made, and today not more than a few dozen exist, mostly of the 1854 date. Such pieces are rarities and when encountered should be carefully studied for quality.

Designer: Christian Gobrecht. Weight: 12.44 grams. Composition: .900 silver, .100 copper. Diameter: 30.6 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans.

Key to Collecting: This is one of relatively few single-year types in the American series. Enough were made that examples can be obtained in just about any grade desired, especially the 1853 Philadelphia circulated coins. Many Mint State pieces survive.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: The mintage of the 1853 half dollar was accomplished quickly, and little attention was paid to striking them sharply. However, as a class, the half dollars of this year are better defined than are the half dimes, dimes, and quarters. Still, check all of the features of Liberty on the obverse, including the head, check the stars, and on the reverse, check the eagle and other details. The quality of luster and strike varies, so cherrypicking is once again advised.

Proof Coins: A few exist, but most “Proofs” seen are actually prooflike circulation strikes, in my opinion.