Partially semi-prooflike with obverse toning in a bull's-eye pattern, amber at center, framed in rings of violet, blue and green, thinly irridescent just at the rim. The reverse toning is more subdued, a combination of blue, amber, and golden tan. Contact marks are minimal, including a shallow reverse scuff above HA, although fine hairlines under the toning set the grade. The strike is generally strong, however, the date shows its characteristic weakness, and the upper left wreath is missing some leaf details.

1853-O No Arrows is well known as a scarce issue, even in lower circulated grades, while uncirculated examples are rare. PCGS confirms this, reporting a total of seven 1853-O No Arrows Half Dimes certified in Mint State, including three MS64s, and a single MS65 finer.

• Will W. Neil (B. Max Mehl 6/1947: Lot 1725 @ $112.50). In cataloguing the Pittman collection, David Akers noted that at Mehl's sale of the Neil collection, this coin realized a higher price than any other half dime in the sale, other than the prized 1802 at $630, also purchased at the sale by John Jay Pittman.

• John Jay Pittman (Akers 4/1997: Lot 494 @ $16,500)