1855 Half Arrow Varieties

The Seated Half series endured four major changes in the design and weight during its 52-year life. The original weight and design lasted from 1839 to 1852 and is called Variety 1. In 1853 the silver content of the coin was reduced to curb foreign acquisition and melting. Arrows were added to the obverse to denote the reduced silver content and rays were added to the reverse ... this is Variety 2. The rays on the reverse lasted only one year and were absent in 1854, but the arrows remained, creating a Variety 3. This lasted until 1866 when the motto "In God We Trust" was added to the reverse, creating Variety 4.

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The Seated Half series endured four major changes in the design and weight during its 52-year life. The original weight and design lasted from 1839 to 1852 and is called Variety 1. In 1853 the silver content of the coin was reduced to curb foreign acquisition and melting. Arrows were added to the obverse to denote the reduced silver content and rays were added to the reverse ... this is Variety 2. The rays on the reverse lasted only one year and were absent in 1854, but the arrows remained, creating a Variety 3. This lasted until 1866 when the motto "In God We Trust" was added to the reverse, creating Variety 4.

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Then Variety 5 in 1873 - 74 again with arrows, this time to indicate an increase in weight. And Variety 6 which was a return to the design of Variety 4 but at the higher weight standard. Technically the early 1839's can also be considered to be a different variety because it has a slightly different design, no drapery from Liberty's left elbow. The size and shape of the rock, and the placement of Liberty's right hand are also different as well.