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1854 Arrows

Half Dimes · Seated Liberty Half Dimes · 1837–1873
Regular
Weight1.24 g
Diameter15.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 5,740,000
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Silver, 10% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-1089

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About this coinHistory

Philadelphia produced 5,740,000 Arrows half dimes in 1854, continuing the high-volume production established after the 1853 weight reduction. The arrows at the date remained as the visual indicator of the new weight standard. The Kansas-Nebraska Act passed in May 1854, repealing the Missouri Compromise and opening the door to slavery in the western territories. The political consequences would reshape the nation over the following six years and contribute to the Civil War.

The 1854 Arrows is a common date in circulated grades. Uncirculated examples are available, and the year is not a challenging acquisition for date collectors. The Arrows subtype spans three years (1853-1855), making the 1854 the middle year in a short-lived design feature that collectors pursue as a distinct sub-series.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $21 $24
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $26 $30
F-12 Fine (F) $29 $34
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $34 $39
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $54 $62
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $122 $141
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $163 $188
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $320 $340
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1854 Arrows Seated Liberty Half Dime worth?
In Good condition it runs about $21–$24, rising to roughly $163–$188 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1854 Arrows Seated Liberty Half Dimes were minted?
5,740,000 were struck.
What is a 1854 Arrows Seated Liberty Half Dime made of?
90% Silver, 10% Copper, weighing 1.24 g.
What is the melt value of a 1854 Arrows Seated Liberty Half Dime?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1854 Arrows Seated Liberty Half Dime a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.