1861 Confederate States of America Half Dollar, CSA Restrike, PCGS MS62. Offered here is one of 500 restrikes of the 1861 Confederate half dollar, of which only four originals were struck in 1861. This restrike was made by coin dealer J.W. Scott sometime in 1879, after he had obtained the original reverse die that was used to strike the originals. Scarce in all grades and always in demand for their historical significance, this is a rare opportunity to obtain an uncirculated example of one of the most well-known restrikes every made of American coinage, and one of the few coins related to the Confederate States of America which is available to collectors.

These pieces were created by J.W. Scott from original 1861-O half dollars, many which were in circulated condition. The present piece is such a piece, as the reverse (usually the obverse) with the seated liberty figure clearly shows signs from circulation. However, this is the case with virtually all known examples, with the grade determined by the obverse. The present coin, after it was struck by J.W. Scott in 1879 has retained in uncirculated condition, with no signs of wear visible on the obverse.

PCGS, since they began grading in 1987, have only graded 28 MS-62’s with a mere 15 finer. The finest known of this restrike are 5 MS-64’s, with no gems currently graded by PCGS. In fact, observed by the irregularity of sales of this particular coin, we think that the number of individual coins might be much lower, as many of the 62’s and 63’s appear to have been submitted to PCGS on multiple occasions in hope of a higher grade.

As such, it is very well possible that this variety is actually scarcer than usually thought, and personally we think that this might be the case. Slightly toned on both sides, the quality and eye-appeal of this historic coin is excellent. Both sides are highlighted by fully original, mottled gray toning, which actually is seldom seen on these coins. As they were specifically struck for collectors, many have been dipped or cleaned, and have lost their original surfaces. A great and original coin which should please every collector of Civil War related coinage.