1853-O Seated Liberty Half Dime

The story of the 1853-O

New Orleans made 160,000 in 1853, down from 260,000 in 1852. The next year it made 2.2 million (1853-O).

The other mints made far more that year: 1853 alone came to 13 million, roughly 83 for every 1853-O. If you're checking a pile of 1853 coins, the O is the one to look for. In the whole series, its mintage sits closest to the 1871-S (161,000) and the 1849-O (140,000).

Only the 1838-O and the 1849-O have a lower mintage among New Orleans's 21 Seated Liberty Half Dimes. Among the 1850s issues, only the 1853 had a smaller run.

It also marks a change of metal: 1853 is the first year of the Seated Liberty Half Dime in 90% silver, 10% copper, which lasted until 1873.

More on the 1853-O

The 1853-O without arrows is the rarest regular New Orleans half dime. Only 160,000 were struck at the old weight of 1.34 grams before the new lighter standard took effect. New Orleans then made 2,200,000 arrows coins the same year.

Most survivors are worn and the 1853-O no arrows is a significant rarity in any grade. Check both sides of the date: no arrows plus an O mint mark is the combination you want. Weight is a useful check, since a genuine coin weighs about 1.34 grams while an arrows coin weighs about 1.24 grams. Have any example authenticated. Philadelphia also struck a no arrows run that year, 135,000 coins, which is scarce as well. Arrows half dimes of 1853 are among the most common dates of the series, so the no arrows coins are easy to overlook in a group of worn half dimes. Its mint mark is on the reverse near the bow of the wreath.

Arrows and the lighter half dime (1853 to 1855)

The Act of February 21, 1853 cut the weight of the half dime from 1.34 to 1.24 grams so that the coins would stay in circulation. Arrowheads beside the date marked the new standard. Unlike the quarter and half dollar, the half dime got no rays on the reverse. With its silver now worth less than its face value, the coin was no longer worth melting. Before the new dies were ready, Philadelphia struck 135,000 coins without arrows and New Orleans 160,000. The 1853-O without arrows is the rarer of the two and a key date of the series.

Then came the flood, with New Orleans striking arrows coins in every year of the period. Philadelphia struck 13,210,020 arrows half dimes in 1853, the largest mintage of any half dime ever made. New Orleans added 2,200,000. In 1854 the totals were 5,740,000 and 1,560,000. In 1855 they fell to 1,750,000 and 600,000. After years of shortage, there were finally enough small silver coins to go around.

Arrows half dimes are the easiest Seated half dimes to find from before the Civil War and a popular type coin. The arrows survive even heavy wear, so check both sides of the date. If your 1853 has no arrows, look at the reverse for an O mint mark near the bow, because that combination is the one collectors look for most.

Elsewhere in US coinage in 1853

Silver bullion was worth more than face value, so the Act of February 21, 1853 reduced the weight of the half dime, dime, quarter and half dollar. Arrows beside the date and rays on the reverse marked the lighter coins.