Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Date: 1854-1855
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 12.44 grams (191.97 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 12,799,450
Proof Mintage: Fewer than 140

1854–1855 Liberty Seated Half Dollar – Arrows at Date, No Rays | Distinct Transitional Type | Philadelphia, New Orleans & San Francisco Issues

The 1854–1855 Liberty Seated Half Dollars with Arrows at Date (No Rays) represent a key transitional type within the Seated Liberty series and a direct continuation of the design change introduced in 1853 to reflect a federal reduction in silver content.

Design & Historical Significance

This short-lived subtype retains Christian Gobrecht’s iconic Liberty Seated obverse, featuring Miss Liberty seated on a rock with a shield in one hand and a liberty pole in the other. Arrowheads flank the date, signaling the adjusted weight standard (192 grains, down from 206.25 grains). Unlike the 1853 issue, however, the sunburst rays on the reverse were eliminated in 1854, giving the coin a cleaner, more traditional appearance. The reverse continues to feature the heraldic eagle with olive branch and arrows, framed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOL.

Mintages & Varieties

Coins were struck at:

• Philadelphia (1854 & 1855)

• New Orleans (1854-O & 1855-O)

• San Francisco (1855-S) – the first year of half dollar production at the branch mint and the key rarity of the type, with just 129,950 pieces struck.

One notable die variety within the series is the 1855/4 overdate, which is known in both business strike and Proof format, adding further appeal for specialists and advanced collectors.

Collectibility & Market Availability

The 1854–1855 Arrows at Date, No Rays type is readily available in circulated grades (Good through Extremely Fine), and AU examples appear with some regularity. Mint State coins are scarce, and superb Uncirculated examples (MS65 and above) are considerably rarer—though not as elusive as their 1853 Arrows and Rays counterparts. The 1855-S remains a prized condition rarity across all grades.

Why Collect the 1854–1855 Arrows at Date, No Rays Half Dollar?

• Two-year transitional type with historic weight adjustment

• Includes the first San Francisco Mint half dollar (1855-S)

• Strong collector demand across both type and date/mint collectors

• Offers great value in Mint State compared to the one-year 1853 type

Whether you’re building a U.S. type set or specializing in the Liberty Seated series, the 1854–1855 Arrows at Date, No Rays Half Dollar offers classic design, transitional appeal, and investment-grade potential in higher grades.