1861 Half Dollar CSA Restrike, PCGS MS61. One of just 500 restrikes produced, after an original mintage of just four pieces struck at the New Orleans Mint in 1861. Increasingly popular, this is one of the few pieces that are relatively available which is related to the Confederate States of America. Only patterns were struck, and by all means restrikes such as the present example are usually the only opportunities to acquire coins of the rebel-states. These enigmatic coins were struck in 1879, more than a decade after the American Civil War had ended, but now serve as true mementos to a very turbulent time in American history.

The method of producing these pieces is a very unusual one in the sense of American coinage. J.W. Scott, a coin dealer based in New York City acquired the original reverse die in 1879. Previously, it was used to strike the original CSA half dollars at the New Orleans Mint in 1861. The originals had only been discovered shortly before, and were brought to the numismatic community. Scott saw an opportunity and decided to create 500 restrikes. To do so, he acquired 500 1861 half dollars, said to have been circulated 1861-O, and grounded off the reverses. Next, he restruck the reverses with the old CSA obverse, in remarkably good condition for its age and thus created the 1861 CSA half dollar restrikes.

It is not known what the general reaction of the numismatic community was at the time, but some sources say that Scott had some of the restrikes in inventory for many years to come. Now, however, they are prized rarities which are fully part of a set focused on coinage from the American Civil War. While the host coins acquired by Scott virtually all show signs from circulation, the CSA obverse is the most important side for grading. On this coin, fresh and flashy luster prevails over the sharply struck surfaces. Some minor contact marks limit the grade, but these are not truly annoying and not large enough to be mentioned individually. Some die rust is seen around the ER of AMERICA, as on all examples, and is the key identifier, together with the state of the reverse (the old obverse), of the restrikes. Virtually untoned with some toning to the left of Liberty, being the only coloration on this coin. A great coin and a not so often encountered opportunity to acquire this coin in uncirculated condition.