And it happened under 3 Flags.

Folks,

I read a fascinating article published by Numismatic News recently about the 1861 New Orleans Half Dollar. I was already aware of its backstory and have even owned several examples but this article:

http://www.numismaticnews.net/article/hard-to-top-story-of-1861-o-half-dollar

pulls it all together in a very compelling way. For those of you not aware of the story, the 1861-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar was minted by 3 separate government entities, the United States, The State of Louisiana (after secession), and the Confederate Staes of America. Research has even been able to determine which government minted a particular half dollar by the obverse and reverse die diagnostics. The 1861-O is also one of the promienent coins that sank with the SS Republic, in 1865. In an ironic twist of fate, the Republic was on the way back to New Orleans to replenish coins supplies after the war.

Read the article and you'll want an example for your collection.

Later,

Malcolm

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