1861 Proof CSA Restrike-Gold Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$76,375 PR63+ 03-26-2015 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1874 Haseltine Restrike of the Confederate Cent in copper was produced by Philadelphia coin dealer John W. Haseltine, who acquired the original Confederate cent dies from the estate of Robert Lovett Jr. Haseltine recognized the enormous numismatic value of these dies and arranged for restrikes to be produced in various metals for sale to collectors, effectively introducing the Confederate cent design to the broader collecting community for the first time. The copper strikings represent the most accessible version of the Haseltine restrikes, produced in larger numbers than the gold or silver specimens. Despite being restrikes rather than original issues, these copper pieces faithfully reproduce Lovett’s Liberty head obverse with its 13 Confederate stars and the agricultural wreath reverse with "1 CENT" and "CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA" inscriptions. The copper composition gives these pieces a warm reddish-brown patina that develops naturally over time. Haseltine’s restrikes were struck with care befitting their intended market of serious numismatic collectors. The pieces show sharp, complete strikes with well-defined details, as the original dies had seen minimal use during Lovett’s brief and secretive 1861 production run. These restrikes served the important function of preserving and disseminating one of the most historically significant coin designs of the Civil War era.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Approximately 55 copper restrikes were produced by Haseltine in 1874. They appear at auction periodically and typically bring $5,000-$10,000 depending on condition and color.