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 Replies: 14 / Views: 2,551 |
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New Member
United States
3 Posts |
Perhaps I should start by saying I am not much of a collector. While I do have a modest assortment of coins and bills that have been passed on to me by relatives whom have passed on themselves, I have little knowledge of the hobby. Okay, down to business. Would someone be kind enough to clarify the meaning of "no arrows and rays" for me. Does this mean the coin has neither arrows nor rays, or does it mean no arrows but does have rays. The reason I ask is that I have an 1853 seated liberty where the rays are clearly present on the reverse but there does not seem to be arrows bracketing the date on the obverse. Images are (hopefully) attached) I have examined the coin with a loupe and there are no apparent arrows by the date. I do see something by the date but it's not clear to me whether the arrows are simply worn down or perhaps even shaven off. It's also possible that there are no arrows but maybe I am imagining a slight outline. Also, I do not seem to be able to find the mint stamp. where would that be located? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.    |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
817 Posts |
It doesn't look like an 1853 was minted with out the arrows.
The 1853 was minted with arrows on the front on both sides of the date and with rays on the back around the eagle. Your coin has rays.
Only the 1853-O was minted with no arrows on the front. It also had no rays on the back.
The O mint mark is on the reverse above the F in "Half Dollar". Your coin does not appear to have a mint mark.
It appears someone was trying to alter your Half Dollar.
The value has probably been greatly reduced.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6385 Posts |
I agree, it looks like the arrows were shaved off as you already suspected. Possibly someone was confused and believed a "no arrows" version of this coin would be a valuable rare variety and so performed the alteration. In fact there were no 1853 half dollars minted in a "no arrows, with rays" configuration so this would never fool a knowledgeable collector. This coin has around EF (extremely fine) details and would sell for maybe $150 if original. The alteration unfortunately destroys most of its numismatic value.  |
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Pillar of the Community
Egypt
3470 Posts |
 to CC forum  |
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New Member
 United States
3 Posts |
SIGH... Well, this is certainly a big disappointment for two reasons. The first is that the only value in the coin is for it's silver (I think you guys call it bouillon value) since the intrinsic value of it has virtually been ruined. The second reason is that my great uncle may have been scammed or was a scammer himself.
I still think it's a neat coin none the less. It is 158 years old after all.
Thanks for your input on this. I have some other coins that I'll throw up on the board just for kicks. Who knows, I may actually stumble upon a rare item. No, wait... I'm not that lucky. But it will be fun to find out one way or the other.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
It would have more value than just bullion but not a lot more just for the fact that it is that old and for the novelty value of the "no arrows".
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Pillar of the Community
United States
817 Posts |
Don't sell the half for melt it certainly has a curiosity factor and some people like to collect them.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
817 Posts |
Oh I forgot. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
I think on ebay, you could get at least $50. I would grade it 35-40 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7192 Posts |
Here's a new twist on this dilemma, the reason for the arrows (and rays) was due to a reduced amount of silver in the planchet from 13.36 grams to 12.44 grams. Possibly this coin was altered way back then to resemble a coin of a higher silver content.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8904 Posts |
 The arrows were obviously removed. When is the question... O Mint mark location: 1853 O Half Dollar  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Quote:
Possibly this coin was altered way back then to resemble a coin of a higher silver content. But why would you do that unless someone was offering to pay the higher premium for them? At the time the heavier half dollar would have been worth 52 cents less the buyers profit margin. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4416 Posts |
Welcome to CCF!
IMHO, this coin was most likely altered a hundred years ago or more. I'd not be too quick to suspect your uncle. Many years ago, there wasn't much of a premium on this coin, so it was essentially no loss to inflict damage. Likely, this damage, which was poorly done, was intended to fool an unwary collector ... Few folks had coin books in those days, so it would be an obvious curiosity when held alongside a normal 1853. Large cents were perhaps the most oftenly altered 1800's coins.
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New Member
United States
3 Posts |
Defaced or not, it is a piece of American history. I would never think of selling it for melt/Bullion, I'm too sentimental.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
Quote:
Defaced or not, it is a piece of American history. I would never think of selling it for melt/Bullion, I'm too sentimental. I am glad to see you say that because when I first started reading these comments that was the response I was going to say. I was going to say that I would keep it because the sentimental value for me would outweigh greatly the numismatic value so I would keep it forever just because it belonged to a loved one and they liked it enough to keep it all that time so I would keep it just for that reason |
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Replies: 14 / Views: 2,551 |
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Posted 05/28/2011 2:16 pm
