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1853 50C Arrows and Rays, WB-101, MS66+ PCGS....
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Description
1853 Arrows and Rays Half Dollar, MS66+
Colorful Single-Year Type
1853 50C Arrows and Rays, WB-101, MS66+ PCGS. The high value
of silver compared to gold put the brakes on silver coin mintages
in the early 1850s -- a direct result of gold inflow from
California and other Western gold mines. It took an Act of Congress
on February 21, 1853 to turn the tide for federal silver coinage. A
reduction in the authorized weight (signified by arrows at the date
and rays on the reverse) formalized the new standard, and the
silver coin shortage was ended until silver was again hoarded
during the Civil War.The 1853 Arrows and Rays half dollar is among the most available Seated Liberty half dollars in absolute terms. However, the issue's one-year type status puts significant pressure on examples across the grade spectrum. In MS66, the 1853 Arrows and Rays half is very rare. PCGS lists 10 Premium Gems, including three Plus-designated coins, and merely two higher grading events. The finest examples at NGC are 10 MS66 submissions (11/15).
This amazingly vibrant and attractive Arrows and Rays half dollar is a remarkable survivor from an issue that often comes somewhat subdued even in high grades. A ring of azure-blue and fuchsia-pink graces the obverse border, with tangerine-gold central toning and coruscating mint luster covering the smooth fields and boldly struck motifs. The reverse presents an equally lustrous display of color, with violet and steel-blue central toning and vivid orange-gold coloration at the margins. The eagle is full-feathered, and the claws are sharp. Die clashing is visible under magnification, but few marks of any other kind exist on either side of this well-struck, beautifully preserved coin.
Ex: Larry Whitlow to Gene Gardner (1/2008); Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part III (Heritage, 5/2015, as MS66 NGC), lot 98471.
Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 572085, Base PCGS# 6275)
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 12.44 grams
ASW: 0.35996oz
Mintage: 3,532,708
Auction Info
2016 January 6 - 11 FUN US Coins Signature Auction - Tampa #1231 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
January, 2016
6th-11th
Wednesday-Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 12
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,721
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
17.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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