NEWBIE ALERT: LOOKING FOR INFO ON 1862 CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA HALF-DOLLAR???

onebamafan

side view /profile on front..... crest /shield on back ....... Any info is appreciated (rarity, value, common, or otherwise)

thanks

Sonorandesertrat

There are 4 originals, as I recall. All were produced at the New Orleans mint and bear the date 1861 (after the Confederacy seized the mint). Years later, J. W. Scott bought the die used to make the reverse, as well as hundreds of original 1861 Liberty Seated halves. He then had the reverses of these coins planed off, and struck using the reverse die now in his possession. These so-called restrikes weigh less than original coins, due to the planing. There are also a few restrikes made using halves that were not planed off. I view Scott's restrikes as fantasy pieces, but some people collect them along with Seated halves or Confederate memorabilia.

RichieURich

What Sonoran said, plus: the 1862's were made starting in the late 1950's - early 1960's, and they used the date 1862 so they would not be copying the same date as on the originals and the J. W. Scott 1879 restrikes.

I believe the first batch (which is the best quality) was made by August Frank, a medalist in Philadelphia.

CaptHenway

<< <i>side view /profile on front..... crest /shield on back ....... Any info is appreciated (rarity, value, common, or otherwise)

thanks >>



Are you talking about the Robert E. Lee fantasy piece?

raycyca

Any value/interest in the restrike with both sides? How about mintages? I also have a restrike of the 1776 Continental dollar. Both nice uncs but have been sitting due to lack of knowledge. Any info much appreciated in advance.

ambro51

No Confederate half dollar looking thingy is of any value if it says 1862. Just a fantasy piece.

All orginals or restrikes are 1861

yosclimber

The link below has a lot of details on the 1861-O half dollars, from the Wiley-Bugert book.
Both the "Confederate" reverse (original and restrikes), and the regular 1861-O halves, some of which can be determined
to be struck "by the Confederacy".
It is probably too much for a newbie to figure out, but here it is for non-newbies.
http://blog.davidlawrence.com/index.php/seated-half-dollars-1861-o/