1854 50C Arrows PR (PCGS#6407)
The March 2011 Baltimore Auction
- 拍卖行
- Stack's Bowers
- 批号
- 1987
- 等级
- PR64
- 价格
- 135,556
- 详细说明
- 1854 Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Arrows. Proof-64 (PCGS). Secure Holder. A highly desirable coin, not only for its rarity in proof format, but as a short-lived two-year type issue with arrows at the date and without motto on the reverse. The color is handsome with highly appealing coppery-russet gold to the centers with a circular frame of teal from long album storage. Reflective fields confirm the status of this near-Gem rarity, with perhaps 20 or so examples surviving today.<br /> The arrows at the date signified the lighter weight of these silver coins over those of early 1853 and prior. Historically the quantities of gold coming to the East from California had an effect on the price of gold, as it became "common" (sort of) in relation to the ratio of silver. This resulted in silver rising in price, to the point at which it became profitable to melt down existing coins, and they disappeared from circulation. After 1850, the only small change available was in the form of Half Cents and large Cents, as Half Dimes, Dimes and other silver issues were no longer seen. Mint Director George N. Eckert submitted a proposal to Congress which shaved just under 7% of the silver weight from Half Dimes up through Half Dollars, although the Silver Dollar's weight was left intact for tradition's sake. The votes were obtained and the Act of February 21, 1853 became law, reducing the weight of Half Dollars to 192 grains from 206.25 grains. Arrows and rays were added to the 1853 Half Dollars struck under the new standard, but by 1854 only arrows were used at the date as the rays caused rapid die deterioration. With the efficiency of the modern United States Mint, the economy was soon flooded with silver coins of the new revised standard, enhancing the ability to make change for most transactions. So many of these arrows Half Dollars were produced that young Walter Breen recalls seeing them in circulation as late as 1943, worn but still serviceable, in the cha
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