1853 Arrows and Rays Seated Half Dollar; PCGS MS62

The 1853 Arrows and Rays half dollar was a one-year type created to mark a reduction in silver weight necessitated by the California Gold Rush, which drove silver prices up and caused older coins to disappear from circulation. Authorized by the Act of February 21, 1853, the design featured arrows by the date and rays around the eagle to distinguish the new, lighter-weight coins from older, heavier issues.