About restrikes...

dan1ecu

I know that many colonial coins were restruck at later dates. I suppose this was done to satisfy collector’s needs. I’ve heard the term “electrotype” used to describe copies of rare coins. I’m not sure if the terms electrotype and restrike are synonymous (anybody know?). Are copies of coins that are sold by private mints (eg. proof chain cents with the word “COPY” on the coin) considered restrikes, or can only the official government mints make restrikes? Maybe the original dies have to be used again to make true restrikes?

Does anybody know of an example of a restrike that is more desirable than the original? Possibly for historical reasons or because of better quality, some restrikes are more appealing to collectors? Eventually, I hope to add some colonial coins to my collection. I probably wouldn’t mind buying a restrike if it is much cheaper, and if I can obtain one in much better condition than I could an original. What do you think?

Dan

Conder101

Restrikes and electrotypes are not synonymous. Restrikes are struck from dies and elecros are made from joining two shells, each made by electroplating a mold of one side of the coin, with a filler material , usually lead, between them. Technically a true restrike is made from the original dies at al later time. (Some times made by the original producer, sometimes by private citizen who have gotten ahold of the dies.) Pieces made from official dies (dies made by the same authority as the one that made the original dies) normally have a better standing than dies made by someone else. I do not consider the copies made by the Gallery Mint or the Royal Oak Mint to be restrikes.

ldhair

Great answer Conder101.
One other type of restrike is the Confederate half. Rev. was planed off and struck again.
It really gets crazy when you look at the different types of strikes of the Confederate cent.
Can't think of a restrike worth more than the original, but there probably is one.

Pushkin

Idhair,

Aren't those Confederate restrikes worth a LOT more than the original (Federal) coins?

ldhair

Your right. I got hung up on the Confederate part. Forgot about the Fedaral. this could confuse a person. Had to grab the Redbook to understand.