(1961) 1861 CSA Copper Bashlow Restrike Token, Defaced Dies, NGC MS66 RD. This Superb Gem 1861 CSA Cent Restrike is lustrous with full mint red color. The token is well struck with full details on Libertys hair, the obverse legend, the wreath details and the denomination. The surfaces are original and clean. Since the original was struck from rusted dies that were subsequently defaced, these defects are prominent on the piece but do not distract from the grade.

Confederate cents were made in 1861. Only 12 to 15 pieces were originally struck. After making these coins in Philadelphia, the diesinker, Robert Lovett, Jr. became terrified of being found by the Union authorities and executed for treason. He hid the coins and dies except for a pocket piece that he mistakenly spent in 1873 in Philadelphia. John W. Haseltine became aware of the coin and eventually convinced Lovett to sell him the coins and dies. Haseltine then made restrikes in gold, silver, and copper.

In 1961 Robert Bashlow obtained the dies, which by then were rusted and defaced, and struck copies for the Confederate centenary. The Bashlow restrikes in various metals all show lumps, ridges, die cracks, and rust marks, which make them distinct from the Haseltine restrikes.