1861 CSA Restrike Half Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$28,750 MS61 08-18-2011 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1861 Confederate States of America Restrike Half Dollar was produced in 1879 by J.W. Scott & Co. of New York using the original Confederate reverse die. After acquiring the die from coin dealer B.F. Taylor, who had received it as one of the four individuals present at the original 1861 striking, Scott produced 500 restrikes by pairing the Confederate reverse die with a planed-down 1861 Seated Liberty half dollar. These restrikes were struck directly over existing federal half dollars, with the original obverse smoothed flat to receive the Confederate reverse impression on that side. Each restrike therefore shows the Confederate shield and wreath design on one side and a smooth, featureless surface on the other — the result of the obverse being intentionally obliterated before restriking. Scott sold these pieces to collectors along with descriptive certificates, and they became highly sought-after numismatic items that gave collectors access to the Confederate half dollar design without the impossibility of acquiring one of the four known originals. In addition to the 500 Scott restrikes, Scott also produced approximately 500 white metal tokens that replicated both sides of the original Confederate half dollar design, providing an even more affordable option for collectors. The Scott restrikes represent the first major numismatic reproduction project in American coin collecting history and remain highly collectible today.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. 500 specimens struck by J.W. Scott & Co. in 1879 from the original Confederate reverse die over planed 1861 Seated Liberty half dollars. Survivors are well-documented and regularly appear at auction, typically bringing $5,000-$15,000 depending on condition.