Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1853-1855
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 15.5 mm
Weight: 1.24 grams (19.2 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 25,060,020
Proof Mintage: Fewer than 150

In 1853, the Liberty Seated half dime underwent a significant design modification with the addition of small arrowheads flanking the date. This change was implemented to ... Read More

Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1853-1855
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 15.5 mm
Weight: 1.24 grams (19.2 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 25,060,020
Proof Mintage: Fewer than 150

In 1853, the Liberty Seated half dime underwent a significant design modification with the addition of small arrowheads flanking the date. This change was implemented to signify a reduction in the coin’s authorized weight, from 20.625 grains to 19.2 grains, in response to the rising market value of silver. The revised weight was intended to discourage hoarding and melting of silver coinage for bullion purposes. The arrowheads remained through 1855, after which they were removed, though the reduced weight standard continued.

The obverse design, by Christian Gobrecht, continued to depict Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole topped by a liberty cap in her left hand, and resting her right hand on a shield inscribed LIBERTY. A semicircle of 13 stars surrounds the upper periphery, with the date and arrows below. The reverse retained the familiar open agricultural wreath, enclosing the denomination HALF DIME, encircled by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

This “With Arrows” subtype marked a dramatic increase in production. At the Philadelphia Mint, the 1853 mintage soared to 13,210,020 pieces, eclipsing the highest previous mintage for any half dime, which had been just 2.76 million in 1835. Other mints followed, with substantial output from New Orleans, though the 1855-O is notably scarcer. A standout rarity is the 1853-O without arrows, struck early in the year before the weight change—an issue of great significance and value.

Collectors will find examples of the With Arrows type readily available in circulated grades from Good through About Uncirculated. Uncirculated pieces, while not rare, are increasingly sought after, particularly by type set collectors, leading to widespread demand. Choice and Gem Uncirculated examples, especially with strong luster and minimal marks, are scarcer and command premiums when offered.

The 1853–1855 With Arrows Liberty Seated half dimes represent a short but pivotal chapter in U.S. coinage history. Not only do they signal an important economic adjustment, but they also stand as an essential subtype for collectors pursuing a complete Liberty Seated or 19th-century U.S. type set.