1961 Bashlow Restrike, Bronze Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$50 UNC Details 08-25-2024 eBay

Description

The 1961 Bashlow Restrike of the Confederate Cent in bronze was produced by Robert Bashlow as part of his landmark centennial restrike series. Using transfer dies created from the original Lovett dies, Bashlow struck Confederate cents in bronze along with numerous other metals, creating the most comprehensive multi-metal restrike series of any American coin design. The bronze composition produces a warm reddish-brown appearance that closely approximates the look of the Haseltine copper restrikes from 1874, though the alloy is technically distinct. Bronze, being an alloy of copper with tin and sometimes zinc, strikes with excellent detail and develops a rich, even patina that many collectors find aesthetically pleasing. The agricultural motifs on the reverse — cotton, tobacco, corn, and wheat — are rendered with good fidelity despite being struck from transfer dies rather than the original hand-engraved steel dies. Bashlow’s decision to include bronze among his many metal choices reflected both practical considerations and collector demand. Bronze was readily available, struck well, and produced an attractive finished product that evoked the copper originals and restrikes. The bronze Bashlow restrike remains a popular entry point for collectors interested in Confederate numismatic material.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Bashlow bronze restrikes were produced in moderate quantities during the 1961 program. They are among the more commonly encountered Bashlow metal varieties at auction.