1861 Half Dollar CSA Restrike, PCGS MS61. One of
just 500 restrikes produced, after an original mintage
of just four pieces struck at the New Orleans Mint
in 1861. Increasingly popular, this is one of the
few pieces that are relatively available which is
related to the Confederate States of America. Only
patterns were struck, and by all means restrikes such
as the present example are usually the only opportunities
to acquire coins of the ‘rebel-states’.
These enigmatic coins were struck in 1879, more than
a decade after the American Civil War had ended, but
now serve as true mementos to a very turbulent time
in American history.
The method of producing these pieces is a very unusual
one in the sense of American coinage. J.W. Scott,
a coin dealer based in New York City acquired the
original reverse die in 1879. Previously, it was used
to strike the original CSA half dollars at the New
Orleans Mint in 1861. The originals had only been
discovered shortly before, and were brought to the
numismatic community. Scott saw an opportunity and
decided to create 500 restrikes. To do so, he acquired
500 1861 half dollars, said to have been circulated
1861-O, and grounded off the reverses. Next, he restruck
the reverses with the old CSA obverse, in remarkably
good condition for its age and thus created the 1861
CSA half dollar restrikes.
It is not known what the general reaction of the
numismatic community was at the time, but some sources
say that Scott had some of the restrikes in inventory
for many years to come. Now, however, they are prized
rarities which are fully part of a set focused on
coinage from the American Civil War. While the host
coins acquired by Scott virtually all show signs from
circulation, the CSA obverse is the most important
side for grading. On this coin, fresh and flashy luster
prevails over the sharply struck surfaces. Some minor
contact marks limit the grade, but these are not truly
annoying and not large enough to be mentioned individually.
Some die rust is seen around the ER of AMERICA, as
on all examples, and is the key identifier, together
with the state of the reverse (the old obverse), of
the restrikes. Virtually untoned with some toning
to the left of Liberty, being the only coloration
on this coin. A great coin and a not so often encountered
opportunity to acquire this coin in uncirculated condition.
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