1861 50C W-12 CSA Original (Special Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1861 Confederate States of America half dollar is one of the most iconic and enigmatic issues in American numismatic history, a tangible artifact born from the nation's gravest crisis. Its story begins in the chaotic early months of 1861. After Louisiana seceded from the Union on January 26, the United States Mint at New Orleans was seized, first by the state and then, on April 1, transferred to the control of the fledgling Confederate States of America. Initially, the mint continued striking standard U.S. Seated Liberty half dollars and double eagles using Federal dies on hand to provide circulating coinage for the Southern economy. However, the new government desired its own distinct coinage. In April 1861, CSA Treasury Secretary Christopher G. Memminger authorized the creation of a uniquely Confederate coin. He instructed the chief coiner at the New Orleans Mint, Dr. B.F. Taylor, to prepare a design. A local engraver, A.H.M. Peterson, was tasked with creating a new reverse die. Peterson's design featured a shield with seven stars (representing the initial seven seceding states), topped by a Liberty Cap on a pole, and flanked by branches of cotton and sugar cane—the agricultural staples of the South. This new Confederate die was paired with a readily available 1861 U.S. Seated Liberty obverse die, which notably exhibited a prominent die crack running from Liberty's nose to the rim. Using a hand-operated screw press, the mint staff carefully struck just four pattern or specimen coins. These were not intended for circulation but as prototypes for approval. One was given to Chief Coiner B.F. Taylor, one was sent to Secretary Memminger (who reportedly passed it to President Jefferson Davis), and the other two were distributed to local dignitaries, possibly Professor John Leonard Riddell and Dr. E. Ames. The ambitious plan for a widespread Confederate coinage never materialized. The South's severe lack of silver bullion, coupled with the escalating pressures of the Civil War and the impending capture of New Orleans by Union forces in April 1862, led to the mint's closure on April 30, 1861. The project was abandoned, and the four coins, along with their story, faded into obscurity for nearly two decades. The coin's existence was unknown to the numismatic community until 1879, when B.F. Taylor publicly revealed his specimen. This revelation sparked immense interest, leading to the sale of Taylor's coin and the original reverse die, and the subsequent creation of the famous Scott Restrikes. Today, the four original specimens are considered ultimate numismatic treasures, physical links to the 'Lost Cause' and symbols of a nation that existed for only four tumultuous years.
Associated EventAmerican Civil War
Reason For MintingTo create a distinctive, official coinage for the newly formed Confederate States of America, symbolizing its sovereignty and economic independence.
Minter HistoryThe coin was struck at the New Orleans Mint, which was under the control of the Confederate States of America from April 1 to April 30, 1861. The staff were the former U.S. Mint employees, now working under CSA authority. Dr. B.F. Taylor, the Chief Coiner, oversaw the project. The reverse die was engraved by August H. M. Peterson, a New Orleans-based die sinker and engraver. Christopher G. Memminger, the first CSA Secretary of the Treasury, was the government official who authorized the coin's creation.
Historical SignificanceThe 1861 CSA half dollar is the only coin officially designed and struck under the authority of the Confederate government. Its extreme rarity, unique history combining U.S. and CSA designs, and direct connection to the Civil War make it a numismatic and historical relic of the highest order.
N/A
Denomination50C
Minting Period1861
Assayer/MinterConfederate States of America (via New Orleans Mint staff)
Geographic OriginNew Orleans, Louisiana
Obverse DescriptionThe standard United States Seated Liberty design by Christian Gobrecht. Features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole with a Phrygian cap in her left hand and supporting a shield inscribed 'LIBERTY' with her right. Thirteen stars surround the figure. A prominent, diagnostic die crack is visible running from the bridge of Liberty's nose to the rim at approximately the 1 o'clock position.
Obverse InscriptionLIBERTY, 1861
Reverse DescriptionA distinctive Confederate design by A.H.M. Peterson. It features a shield with seven vertical stripes and a chief containing seven stars, representing the first seven states to secede. A Liberty Cap on a pole is positioned above the shield. The shield is flanked by a wreath composed of a cotton branch on the left and a sugar cane stalk on the right.
Reverse InscriptionCONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA HALF DOL.
CompositionSilver (.900), Copper (.100)
Stated Fineness0.9
Actual Fineness0.9
Weight12.44 grams
Diameter30.60 mm
EdgeReeded
4
Survival Estimate4
Rarity ScaleR-8 (Unique in private hands, with one institutionally held)
This coin represents the pinnacle of collecting Confederate and Civil War-era numismatics. It is a legendary rarity, combining a U.S. obverse with a unique Confederate reverse, struck under the most dramatic of historical circumstances. Its appeal is nearly universal among advanced collectors of American history and coinage.
Key VarietiesThere are no varieties of the original 1861 striking. However, its history is deeply intertwined with later issues: 1. **Scott Restrikes (1879):** After the original reverse die was rediscovered, New York coin dealer J.W. Scott acquired it. He planed the reverse off of 500 genuine 1861-O Seated Liberty half dollars and, using the Confederate die, struck his own versions. These are known as the 'Scott Restrikes.' They are identifiable by their lighter weight (due to the planing of the reverse) and a slightly flattened obverse. The die itself was slightly rusted and showed a small die chip near 'AMERICA' by this time. 2. **Scott Tokens (1879):** Scott also struck 500 white metal tokens pairing the Confederate reverse with an advertising obverse of his own design.
Authentication TipsAuthentication of an original is an expert-level task. Key diagnostics include: 1. **Weight:** Originals were struck on standard planchets and weigh approximately 12.44 grams (192 grains). Scott Restrikes are noticeably lighter, around 12.0 grams (185 grains), due to the planing of the original reverse. 2. **Obverse Die Crack:** The specific, sharp die crack from Liberty's nose to the rim is a primary diagnostic. 3. **Strike Characteristics:** The four originals were struck with great care on a screw press, resulting in a Prooflike or Special Strike finish. The reverse die on the originals is sharp and does not show the rust or die chip seen on the later Scott restrikes. 4. **Edge:** The reeding should be consistent with a period New Orleans Mint strike. 5. **Provenance:** All four original specimens have a well-documented chain of ownership.
Shopping ConsiderationsAcquiring one of the four original specimens is a once-in-a-generation event, typically occurring only when a major, named collection is sold at public auction. Any potential buyer would be an extremely advanced numismatist. The primary consideration would be the pedigree and documented history of the specific example being offered. Eye appeal, while important, is secondary to authenticity and provenance. All four known examples are graded in Proof (PR/PF) holders by major services, ranging from PR-30 to PR-40, reflecting some light handling and circulation over their long histories. A CAC sticker on such a piece would provide an additional layer of confirmation regarding its quality for the grade.
A coin's grade is its condition, rated on a 1-70 scale. For rare coins, this is the most critical factor in determining value, as a tiny difference in preservation can mean a huge difference in price.
Relevant Grade TypesThe four original 1861 CSA half dollars were not business strikes for circulation but special presentation pieces struck on a screw press. Therefore, they are properly classified as Proofs (PR or PF). Although they were not made with the same technical perfection as later U.S. Mint proofs, their special handling and strike warrant this designation. The known examples have been graded between PF-30 and PF-40, indicating they experienced some degree of handling or light circulation after they were struck. No business strikes of this design were ever produced. The later Scott Restrikes are typically found in circulated (AU) and Mint State (MS) grades.
Mint State CharacteristicsAs these are graded as Proofs, Mint State (MS) characteristics do not directly apply. However, for a high-end Proof example, one would look for sharp strike details, particularly on the high points of the cotton and sugar cane on the reverse and Liberty's hair and drapery on the obverse. The surfaces would exhibit some original reflectivity, though this may be subdued from age and light handling. The known examples are not perfect; they display minor marks and hairlines consistent with their grades of PF-30 to PF-40.
Circulated Wear PatternsWhile not intended for circulation, the known examples show evidence of light handling that resembles wear. The first areas to show friction would be the high points: Liberty's knee, head, and breast on the obverse, and the upper leaves of the cotton and sugar cane, the high point of the shield, and the Liberty Cap on the reverse.
Key Factors For ValueFor the 1861 CSA Original, value is driven by several key factors. First and foremost is its status as one of only four known examples. Beyond that, the specific pedigree of each piece is paramount; for instance, the specimen traced to Jefferson Davis commands immense historical premium. The technical grade (e.g., PF-40 vs. PF-30) significantly impacts value. Finally, eye appeal—encompassing factors like the strength of the strike, the quality of the surfaces, and the absence of distracting marks—plays a crucial role in determining the final auction price among sophisticated collectors.
PCGS Price Guide
| Grade | Price | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | N/A | N/A |
| 40 | N/A | 1 |