Seated Liberty Quarters Type 3
(Arrows at date)
Seated Liberty Quarters with Arrows represent the third variety in this series. They were coined at the US Mint in 1854 and 1855. Due to the gold rush, the price of silver was forced up, making the older (pre 1853) coins that contained more silver worth more. While the older coins were being melted, the Mint concentrated on making new ones
to replace them. The Mint had a lot of difficulty with die wear caused by the glory of rays on the reverse of the 1853 coins. In order to make dies last longer the rays were omitted and the arrows were kept until 1855.
The obverse design is a continuation that was originally engraved for use on the new dollar by Christian Gobrecht in the mid to late 1830's. The front of the coin shows Liberty seated on a rock, surrounded by thirteen 6-pointed stars, and has
the date below flanked by arrows an either side.
The reverse of the coin shows an eagle with wings spread, clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons. The eagle is surrounded by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUAR. DOL."
Coin Specifications:
Designer: Christian Gobrecht
Weight: 6.22 grams
Comp: 90.0% Silver, 10.0% Copper
Diameter: 24.3mm
Edge: Reeded
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