(1961) CSA 1C Bashlow Restrike, Bronze, BN (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The story of the 1961 Bashlow Restrike is inextricably linked to one of the most enigmatic issues in American numismatics: the original 1861 Confederate Cent. In early 1861, as the Confederacy was being formed, agents purportedly commissioned Philadelphia die-sinker Robert Lovett, Jr. to design and produce a one-cent coin. Lovett, a prolific engraver of tokens and medals, created a design featuring a French-style Liberty head on the obverse and a wreath of Southern agricultural staples—corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco—on the reverse. He struck a small number of pattern cents, believed to be just 12 to 15 pieces, in a copper-nickel alloy similar to the U.S. Indian Head cents of the era. However, with the outbreak of the Civil War, Lovett grew fearful of being arrested for treason for aiding the enemy. He allegedly hid the dozen coins and the dies in his basement, and the project was abandoned. The coins and dies remained unknown until 1873, when Lovett, according to numismatic lore, accidentally spent one at a Philadelphia tavern. The unusual piece was noticed and eventually traced back to him by prominent collector Capt. John W. Haseltine. Haseltine acquired the remaining originals and, more importantly, the dies. In 1874, he produced a series of restrikes in gold (7 known), silver (12 known), and copper (55 known). After this small production, the dies were defaced with chisel marks and rust accumulated over the decades. They passed through several hands before vanishing from the numismatic scene, only to be rediscovered in 1961 by New York entrepreneur and numismatist Robert Bashlow. To commemorate the Civil War Centennial, Bashlow decided to create a second series of restrikes. Recognizing the historical importance and commercial potential, he commissioned the August C. Frank Company of Philadelphia to make transfer dies from Lovett's original, now heavily damaged, dies. This process faithfully copied every detail, including the original design elements, the subsequent chisel marks, die cracks, and rust pitting. These imperfections serve as the defining characteristic of the Bashlow restrikes, clearly distinguishing them from the earlier Haseltine issues. Bashlow produced them in large quantities and various metals, marketing them aggressively to the collecting public through advertisements in publications like Coin World. The most common variety was struck in bronze, with a stated mintage of 20,000 pieces. These tokens were deliberately struck on planchets that were thicker than the originals to prevent any confusion and avoid potential issues with the U.S. Secret Service. Following the production run, Bashlow donated the original, historic dies to the Smithsonian Institution in 1962, where they reside today.
Associated EventAmerican Civil War Centennial
Reason For MintingTo create and market a collectible souvenir for the 100th anniversary of the Civil War using the recently rediscovered, original (though defaced) Confederate cent dies.
Minter HistoryRobert Bashlow was a notable New York coin dealer, researcher, and numismatic promoter active in the mid-20th century. He was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and for bringing historical numismatic items to a wider audience. In 1961, after acquiring the original, defaced dies of the 1861 Confederate cent, he arranged for the production of these second-edition restrikes. He contracted with the August C. Frank Company, a private medal-making firm in Philadelphia, to create transfer dies and strike the pieces. Bashlow marketed these restrikes extensively, creating a popular and accessible collectible tied to one of the Civil War's greatest numismatic stories. He later donated the original dies to the Smithsonian.
Historical SignificanceThe Bashlow Restrike is not a coin but a historically significant token. It represents the final chapter in the life of the original 1861 Confederate cent dies, arguably the most famous and storied dies in American numismatics. By creating these restrikes, Bashlow made it possible for thousands of collectors to own a direct, tangible link to Lovett's original work and the turbulent era of the Civil War. The prominent die damage provides a visible history of the dies' journey from Haseltine's restriking period to their rediscovery a century later.
N/A
DenominationOne Cent Token
Minting Period1961-1962
Assayer/MinterRobert Bashlow / August C. Frank and Company
Geographic OriginPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Obverse DescriptionA left-facing bust of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, or 'Liberty Cap,' with a band of six stars. Her hair flows down her neck. The design is often referred to as a 'French Liberty Head.' The field is covered with fine pitting from the rusted original die, and may show various raised lumps and lines transferred from the die damage.
Obverse InscriptionCONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA / 1861
Reverse DescriptionA wreath composed of stalks of corn and cotton on the left, and sprigs of wheat and tobacco on the right. At the bottom is a bale of cotton, flanked by two barrels, with a bow above the bale tying the wreath. A small incuse 'L' for Lovett can be found on the cotton bale. The reverse die exhibits significant damage, most notably a prominent, raised vertical chisel mark or die gouge through the 'N' in CENT and extending downwards.
Reverse Inscription1 / CENT
CompositionBronze
Stated Fineness Actual Fineness Diameter19.00 mm
EdgePlain
20,000
Survival EstimateMany thousands
Rarity ScaleCommon
This token is highly popular due to its direct connection to the legendary 1861 Confederate Cent. It is an affordable way to own a piece of Civil War numismatic history, struck from transfer dies of the originals. The dramatic and visible die damage makes each piece a conversation starter and a tangible link to the past.
Key VarietiesThe Bashlow restrikes were issued as business strikes. Key varieties are based on the metal used: - **Bronze:** The most common variety, with 20,000 struck. [Breen-8013] - **Goldine:** A brassy alloy, with 5,000 struck. [Breen-8014] - **Silver:** 5,000 struck. [Breen-8011] - **Gold:** Extremely rare, only 3 pieces were struck on thick planchets (piedforts). One is in the Smithsonian. [Breen-8010] - **Platinum:** Extremely rare, 3 pieces reported struck. - **Trial Pieces:** Very small mintages (reportedly 50 each) were struck in various other metals, including aluminum, lead, tin, zinc, nickel-silver, and even red fiber. [Breen-8015 through 8020] These are highly sought after by specialists.
Authentication TipsAuthenticity is rarely an issue due to the token's low cost and unique characteristics. The key diagnostic is the presence of the specific, raised die damage transferred from the defaced original dies. This includes heavy rust pitting across the fields and, most prominently, the vertical gouge through the 'N' of CENT on the reverse. The tokens are also typically much thicker than an original 1861 cent. Modern outright counterfeits are unlikely, but collectors should be familiar with the correct appearance of the die markers.
Shopping ConsiderationsFor a 'BN' (Brown) example, a potential buyer should look for an even, smooth, chocolate-brown patina. Avoid pieces with distracting spots, carbon flecks, or evidence of cleaning, which may manifest as unnaturally bright or hairlined surfaces. The strike should be sharp, rendering all details of the design and the die damage clearly. 'Premium quality' for a brown example is defined by its smooth, problem-free surfaces and pleasing, uniform color. While common, high-grade examples (MS-65 and above) with excellent eye appeal command a premium. The raised lumps from the die damage are inherent and should not be confused with planchet flaws or post-strike damage.
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 TypesAll original 1961 Bashlow Restrikes were produced as business strikes (MS) for collectors and were never intended to circulate. Therefore, they are typically found and graded in Mint State (MS, 60-70). Circulated examples (1-58) would be those that were mishandled after they were sold. No proofs were officially struck, though some pieces may have prooflike surfaces. These are distinct from the original 1861 Confederate patterns and the 1874 Haseltine proof restrikes, which are entirely different numismatic items.
Mint State CharacteristicsAn uncirculated Bashlow Restrike in bronze is graded based on its original mint luster, surface preservation, and color. Luster is typically satiny. The most desirable pieces are designated 'RD' for Red, retaining their original copper color. 'RB' (Red-Brown) and 'BN' (Brown) designations follow as the copper oxidizes. The grade is primarily determined by the presence of contact marks or scratches from handling and storage; the extensive raised die flaws from the transfer process are part of the design and do not affect the grade. High-grade examples (MS-65 and above) will have minimal, trivial marks and strong luster.
Circulated Wear PatternsAlthough these were not meant to circulate, a mishandled or 'pocket piece' example would show wear first on the highest points. On the obverse, wear would appear on Liberty's cheek, the edge of the cap, and her hair. On the reverse, the highest points of the wreath (leaves and cotton tufts) and the top of the cotton bale would show friction first. In lower grades, the finer details and legends would become soft.
Key Factors For ValueFor the bronze Bashlow restrike, the primary value drivers are grade and color. A fully Red (RD) specimen is worth significantly more than a Red-Brown (RB) or Brown (BN) example in the same numerical grade. Surface quality is paramount: clean, mark-free surfaces with original luster command the highest prices. Eye appeal is crucial; collectors prefer smooth, even coloration without distracting spots or stains. A CAC sticker will add a premium, indicating that the piece is solid for the grade.
PCGS Price Guide
| Grade | Price | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 58 | N/A | 1 |
| 63 | N/A | 1 |
| 65 | N/A | 1 |