Sandon's Certified Seated Quarters
1853 Arrows & Rays

Owner Comments:

This issue had a mintage of over 15.2 million pieces, by far the highest mintage of any quarter dollar issue up to that time and the second highest of the entire Seated Liberty quarter series, behind only the 1876. Like other 1853 silver coins with arrows at the date (and in the case of quarters and half dollars, rays around the eagle) it was the first issue at the new lower weight standard adopted to remedy the withdrawal from circulation and melting of older issues caused by the changed relationship between the values of gold and silver occasioned by the California Gold Rush, which greatly increased the supply of gold without a proportionate increase in the supply of silver.

As a one year type coin this common issue is in much demand, especially in uncirculated condition. I acquired this specimen at an online condition in March 2021. It is well struck, though from somewhat worn dies that show extensive cracks on the obverse and some die erosion on the reverse. This variety is, not surprisingly, unlisted in the Briggs book on Seated quarters, Briggs having noted that the employment of approximately 120 pairs of dies makes the cataloging of the characteristics of all die varieties unfeasible. Photos courtesy of Stacks Bowers Galleries.