Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Date: 1854-1855
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 12.44 grams (191.97 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Proof Mintage: Fewer than 140

The Liberty Seated half dollar style of 1854-1855 with arrowheads at the date is the same as used in 1853 except that the reverse rays have been deleted. Thus, 1854-1855 half dollars stand as a distinct type. Coinage was produced primarily at Philadelphia and New Orleans. In 1855 the San Francisco Mint issued the denomination for the first time, striking 129,950 pieces. This remains the only rare mintmark variety in the date span. An interesting variation is provided by the 1855/4 overdate, a variety which exists in business strike form as well as Proof.

Examples of the 1854-1855 design are readily available in all grades from Good through Extremely Fine to AU. Uncirculated pieces are scarce, and superb Uncirculated pieces are scarcer yet, although they are not nearly so rare as comparable examples of the 1853 with arrows and rays style.