Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1854-1855
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 24.3 mm
Weight: 6.22 grams (95.98 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 17,293,400
Proof Mintage: Fewer than 140

1854 Liberty Seated Quarter – Arrows at Date, No Rays | Historic U.S. Silver Type Coin

The 1854 Liberty Seated Quarter with arrows at the date and no rays on the reverse represents a significant transitional type in the evolution of early U.S. silver coinage. This design followed the short-lived 1853 “arrows and rays” quarter, introduced to signal a federally mandated reduction in weight from 6.68 to 6.22 grams—a direct response to widespread hoarding and melting of silver coins amid rising bullion prices and the influx of California gold.

Produced at the Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco Mints, this variety retains the familiar Gobrecht-designed Liberty Seated motif: Miss Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty cap and shield, surrounded by thirteen stars. On the reverse, the eagle clutches arrows and an olive branch, with the denomination “QUAR. DOL.” beneath. The 1854 issue, struck in Philadelphia, is by far the most common of the type, with a mintage of 12,380,000 pieces—more than half of the total produced for the 1854–1855 “arrows without rays” subtype.

Collectors seeking an affordable classic silver quarter from the mid-19th century will find the 1854 issue particularly attractive, as it is available in circulated grades from Good to Extremely Fine with relative ease. AU and Uncirculated examples, however, are considerably scarcer and command strong premiums, particularly in certified high-end Mint State condition. Superb Gem examples (MS65 and above) are rare and highly sought after by advanced type collectors and Liberty Seated specialists alike.

While Philadelphia issues dominate the market, examples from the New Orleans (1855-O) and especially the San Francisco Mint (1855-S)—the first quarters struck there—are elusive in all grades and rarely encountered in Mint State.

For the serious collector or investor in historic U.S. silver coinage, the 1854 Liberty Seated Quarter with arrows at date offers excellent value, historical context, and strong long-term desirability. Add this important mid-19th century type coin to your collection today.