1861 Half Dollar CSA Restrike NGC MS64 CAC. A wonderful example of this popular issue, originally produced by the Confederate States of America. Only a select few designs were used as patterns for new money of the CSA, which never was materialized. All these issues are now scarce, and restrikes such as the present offering are affordable methods of owning these designs.

The original CSA half dollars, of which only four were made, was produced in 1861 at the New Orleans Mint. This was done under auspices of Chief Coiner B.F. Taylor, and the very limited number of originals was quietly distributed. These are now extremely rare, and among the highlights of American coinage.

The present offering represents a wonderful, and totally original example of the restrikes produced by J.W. Scott. This was done ca. 1879, when the originals and confederate obverse die were discovered. Scott acquired a total of 500 1861 New Orleans Half Dollars, the majority of which were circulated, and grounded of the reverse. He struck the planchets again with the old confederate die, to create these restrikes.

Although the host coin spent a short time in circulation, this coin is much better than usually seen for the variety. Abundant luster is still visible on both sides, with gray color seen. The reverse is toned in various shades of orange, purple and green and looks like a true piece of art. A near gem, and an excellent opportunity to acquire this rare piece of the American Civil War. Stickered on the holder by CAC for premium quality, and we can not disagree at all with that designation.