1861 Seated Liberty Half Dollar - W-12 CSA Original

Coin Details

Auction Record

$960,000 SP40 11-01-2017 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1861 Confederate States of America Half Dollar is the only coin struck using dies produced under direct Confederate government authority at an operational United States branch mint. After Louisiana seceded from the Union in January 1861 and Confederate forces seized the New Orleans Mint, the Confederate Treasury commissioned dies for a distinctive half dollar that would replace the federal Seated Liberty design on the reverse while retaining the existing federal obverse die already in use at the mint. Chief Engraver A.H.M. Peterson of the New Orleans Mint engraved the Confederate reverse die, which features a shield bearing the Confederate national emblem surrounded by a wreath of agricultural products including cotton, sugar cane, and corn, with "CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA" and "HALF DOL." inscribed around the border. The obverse used the standard 1861 Seated Liberty die that had been striking federal half dollars before the mint’s seizure. Only four original specimens were struck from the Confederate reverse die before coining operations ceased due to bullion shortages. These four coins were distributed to prominent Confederate officials and supporters: one each to Confederate Treasury Secretary C.G. Memminger, Professor J.L. Riddell (who supervised the striking), Dr. E. Ames, and coin dealer B.F. Taylor. The extreme rarity and historical significance of the Confederate half dollar has made it one of the most celebrated coins in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

One of the supreme rarities of American numismatics. Only 4 original specimens struck. When offered at auction, prices regularly exceed $500,000. The most famous example is the Memminger specimen.

Cross References

NGC #8000