How to Identify the Seated Liberty Half Dime with Arrows
A collector's checklist for the arrows half dime: spotting the arrowheads at the date, confirming the tiny silver size, and reading the mint mark.
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Begin with the feature that names the type: the arrows. On the obverse, look closely at the date along the bottom rim and confirm there is a small arrowhead on each side of it. The seated Liberty figure—holding a striped shield and a capped pole, ringed by thirteen stars—appears on the whole series, so it is the arrows plus a date of 1853, 1854, or 1855 that pin down this specific subtype. The photographed coin reads 1855.
Turn the coin over. The reverse should read HALF DIME inside an open wreath, framed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Reading the denomination directly is the safest way to confirm you have a half dime rather than a similar-looking Seated Liberty dime, which is larger and reads ONE DIME.
Check the physical coin. A genuine arrows half dime is 90 percent silver, roughly 15.5 mm across—smaller than a modern dime—with a reeded edge and a reduced weight around 1.24 grams. Its tiny size and bright silver surfaces are characteristic; a coin that is copper-colored, noticeably larger, or magnetic is not this type.
Look for a mint mark on the reverse, just below the wreath. An 'O' indicates the New Orleans Mint; no mint mark indicates Philadelphia. Note that the arrows subtype exists only for 1853 through 1855, so a Seated Liberty half dime with a plain date and no arrows is a different subtype even if it otherwise looks identical.
Be cautious with authentication. Because these coins are small and valuable in high grade, watch for cleaning, added or altered mint marks, and low-grade coins passed off as scarce dates. Corrosion, holes, and bends are common and reduce value. For any piece you believe to be a better date or high grade, seek certification from a reputable third-party grading service before buying or selling.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell an arrows half dime from a plain-date one?
Look at the date on the obverse. The arrows subtype has a small arrowhead on each side of the date and is dated 1853, 1854, or 1855. A Seated Liberty half dime with no arrows is a different subtype.
How is the half dime different from a Seated Liberty dime?
Read the reverse. The half dime says HALF DIME and is smaller, about 15.5 mm; the dime says ONE DIME and is larger. Both share the seated Liberty obverse, so the denomination and size are the deciding factors.
Where is the mint mark and what does it mean?
It sits on the reverse below the wreath. An 'O' means New Orleans; no mark means Philadelphia. Both are correct depending on where the coin was struck.
What are the main authentication risks?
Cleaned surfaces, altered dates or mint marks, and damage such as holes and bends. Because the coins are tiny and can be valuable in top grades, have better-date or high-grade examples verified by a recognized grading service.