1853 50C Arrows and Rays (Proof)

Series: Liberty Seated Half Dollars 1839-1891

PCGS PR65

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PCGS PR64

PCGS PR63

PCGS #:: 6405

Designer:: Thomas Sully/Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 30.00 millimeters

Weight:: 12.40 grams

Mintage:: 5

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $228,000 • PR65 • 08-19-2018 • Heritage Auctions

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1853 50C Arrows and Rays

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Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity By Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity By Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
All Grades	4	R-9.8	1 / 1	4 / 55 TIE
60 or Better	4	R-9.8	1 / 1	4 / 55 TIE
65 or Better	1	R-10.0	1 / 1	1 / 55 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	4
60 or Better	4
65 or Better	1

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-9.8
60 or Better	R-9.8
65 or Better	R-10.0

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	1 / 1
60 or Better	1 / 1
65 or Better	1 / 1

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	4 / 55 TIE
60 or Better	4 / 55 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 55 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	PR65 PCGS grade	Lorin G. Parmelee Collection - New York Coin & Stamp Co. 6/1890:1234 - Charles Steigerwalt - William H. Woodin - Waldo C. Newcomer Collection - Col. E.H.R. Green Collection - Major Lenox R. Lohr Collection - Stack's 10/1956:753 - Heritage 1/2012:3252, $184,000
1	PR65 estimated grade	Norweb Collection - Bowers & Merena 11/1988:3159 - Kaufman Collection - Heritage 8/2007:1786, $149,500 - Heritage 1/2013:5667, $135,125
1	PR65 estimated grade
4	PR64 PCGS grade
4	PR64 PCGS grade
6	PR63 PCGS grade
6	PR63 PCGS grade
6	PR63 PCGS grade
9	PR62 estimated grade

#1 PR65 PCGS grade

Lorin G. Parmelee Collection - New York Coin & Stamp Co. 6/1890:1234 - Charles Steigerwalt - William H. Woodin - Waldo C. Newcomer Collection - Col. E.H.R. Green Collection - Major Lenox R. Lohr Collection - Stack's 10/1956:753 - Heritage 1/2012:3252, $184,000

#1 PR65 estimated grade

Norweb Collection - Bowers & Merena 11/1988:3159 - Kaufman Collection - Heritage 8/2007:1786, $149,500 - Heritage 1/2013:5667, $135,125

#1 PR65 estimated grade

#4 PR64 PCGS grade

#6 PR63 PCGS grade

#9 PR62 estimated grade

Ron Guth:

The Proof 1853 Half Dollar with Arrows and Rays is an extemely rare coin and one which enjoys incredible demand from type collectors who need this one-year type. Depending on who builds the roster, there are between five and six examples known, with a few more that are either reappearances of these or they are additional examples. Quality varies, depending in part on planchet preparation -- for instance, the Norweb example (now NGC PR66) has been called a one-sided Proof because the reverse appears satiny. Other examples are convincing as full Proofs.

Auction records show this is a solid, six-figure coin at the high end. The auction record for this date is $184,000 (realized in 2012 by a PCGS PR65).