1961 Bashlow Restrike, Zinc Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$240 UNC Details 11-26-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1961 Bashlow Restrike of the Confederate Cent in zinc is a blue-gray metallic piece that darkens naturally over time as the zinc surface oxidizes. Zinc became intimately associated with American coinage during World War II when it was used as the primary coating for 1943 steel cents, and later as the core metal for copper-plated cents beginning in 1982. Its use in the Bashlow Confederate cent series connects this Civil War design to the broader history of American coinage metals. Fresh zinc restrikes exhibit a bright, slightly blue-tinted metallic surface, but the metal’s reactivity with atmospheric moisture and carbon dioxide causes a progressive darkening and development of a gray-white zinc carbonate patina. This natural aging process gives older zinc restrikes a distinctly weathered appearance that some collectors find appealing as evidence of age and authenticity. The design details, while well-struck initially, can become somewhat obscured as heavy patina develops. Among Bashlow’s various metal choices, zinc represents one of the more utilitarian industrial metals in the series. Its lightweight feel and evolving surface patina distinguish it from the more stable copper, brass, and nickel restrikes. Collectors interested in the full spectrum of Bashlow’s multi-metal experiment appreciate the zinc version as documentation of how the Confederate cent design appears in this particular industrial alloy.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Zinc restrikes were produced in limited quantities during the 1961 program. Well-preserved examples with minimal oxidation command slight premiums over heavily patinated pieces.