1854-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Arrows. WB-46. Rarity-3. MS-67 (PCGS). CAC. Wisps of powder blue, pastel pink, champagne-apricot and pale rose iridescence are seen on both sides of this gorgeous coin. The strike is exceptionally well executed for a product of the pre-Civil War New Orleans Mint, with even the most intricate design elements sharply defined. Highly lustrous and virtually pristine, this coin would serve as a highlight in the finest type or date set.The distinct Arrows, No Motto half dollar type of 1854 to 1855 was created when the Mint decided to drop the rays from the reverse design. The rays, along with the arrows at the date on the obverse, were added in 1853 to denote a weight reduction for the denomination from 13.36 grams to 12.24 grams pursuant to the Act of February 21, 1853. Whereas the rays were discarded after 1853 (they likely complicated the striking process and led to early die breakage), the Mint continued the arrows through 1855.The 1854-O vies with the 1854 and 1855-O as the most popular type issue of this design. However, this New Orleans Mint issue is a noteworthy rarity at and above the Gem Mint State grade level. The present high Condition Census example is a real beauty, and interested collectors are urged to bid aggressively. From the D. Brent Pogue Collection. Earlier, from Heritages New York Signature Sale of July 2004, lot 6493; Heritages Dallas Signature Sale of December 2004, lot 6094; Heritages Long Beach Signature Sale of February 2005, lot 7053; Heritages Long Beach Signature Sale of June 2005, lot 6256; Heritages Denver, CO Signature & Platinum Night Auction of August 2006, lot 5240; Heritages FUN Signature Coin Auction of January 2007, lot 981; Heritages Signature Coin Auction of October 2009, lot 691; Heritages FUN Auction of January 2010, lot 2547.
