The Seated Liberty Half Dollar series, produced from 1839 through 1891, holds an important role in the history of American coinage. The series offers broad appeal among collectors, as it includes both widely available circulation strikes and more elusive examples that become increasingly scarce in higher grades. This 1873-S Half Dollar features the unique Arrows at Date inclusion and is certified Mint State 65 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Today, the 1873-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar is available from JM Bullion.

Coin Highlights:

• Comes with an individual slab!
• Issued by the San Francisco Mint!
• Total mintage of only 228,000 coins!
• Contains 12.5 grams (.4019 troy oz) of actual silver content.
• The face value of $.50 (USD) is backed by the US government.
• Graded Mint Staate 65 by the NGC.
• On the obverse is the Seated Liberty effigy.
• The reverse features the heraldic eagle with arrows flanking the date mark.
• Bears an S mint mark from the San Francisco Mint.

The 1873-S is one of the most significant and coveted issues in the entire Seated Liberty Half Dollar series. That year marked the transition to the “With Arrows” variety, as Congress mandated a slight adjustment in the coin’s weight per the Coinage Act of 1873, and small arrowheads were placed flanking the date to signal this change to the public. 

This 1873-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar Coin features an MS65 grade, indicating very pleasing eye appeal with above-average luster, a few small contact marks scattered in the field, and only a few scattered hairlines. This particular piece shows off a frosted, vibrant luster that accentuates the sharp details of Seated Liberty and the Heraldic eagle. The With Arrows subtype was only available from 1873 to 1875 and includes arrowheads on either side of the date mark on the reverse.

The obverse of the 1873-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar showcases a design created by Christian Gobrecht. Influenced by classical artistic themes, the image presents Liberty seated in flowing attire. Her right hand supports a shield bearing the inscription LIBERTY, while her left hand holds a pole topped with a Liberty cap. The design is framed by stars around the figure, with the date positioned at the bottom.

On the reverse of the 1873-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar Coin is a heraldic eagle with its wings fully extended. The eagle carries a shield across its chest and holds arrows along with an olive branch in its talons, representing strength and a desire for peace. Following the Civil War, coins in this series also display the inscription IN GOD WE TRUST on a banner placed above the eagle.

Please contact JM Bullion with any questions about rare 90% silver coins. You can call us at 800-276-6508, chat with us online, or email us directly.