New Here * Have question about 1861 Confederate half doll. ?

[alli-migration]

Hi all and thanks for reading...

I was given a couple books of coins from my grandfathers brother who has since died. He collected coins and gave my mother 2 of the later ones , which didn't seem to have much in it ( at least I don't know since I don't know much about coins).

However in there is a half dollar that reads 1861 confederate half doll.

It has a shield on one side and a lady posed on the other side. It's pretty light in weight and isn't as big as a regular half dollar..... Its also a bit tarnished and a little beat up looking.

I read a bit about them online but not sure about it 100% ... any info is appreciated.....

Thank You

Alli

[ldhair]

Welcome.

You might have seen this.

web page

[alli-migration]

Thank you for the reply...Yes I did see that....it looks like that only beat up and green tarnish on the sides.....Is it still worth something in that bad condition?

Alli

[MunkyMan95]

Depending on how "beat up" it is, it may or may not be worth something. I'm sure a photo of some kind would help us to judge the value.

[alli-migration]

I will have to get it scanned in tomorrow some how...

you can still see the design and read it clearly it just looks old and tarnished.

Thank You

[ldhair]

An image would help get you better information.

There were lots of copies of these. You never know.

[alli-migration]

another thing i notice is that it looks like a lighter metal, not quite white but lighter then regular coins.

[Bruceswar]

I will say it is a replica, but please post pictures and we can help you more. Thanks and welcome

[Here]

If it's real you have something pretty good there!

 

Jerry

[Morgannut]

Certain Replica's of coarse can be valuable--especially if they are Tarnished and OLD. So please don't try to clean. As everyone knows there were "restrikes" too, which may bring thousands $1.

[paperchaser-migration]

As I've mentioned in other posts regarding a coin's authenticity:

 

1. weigh it

2. look for the obvious signs of a counterfeit, "bubbles", "funny edge", etc.

3. find a reputable dealer in your area or if you think it's real

 

4. send it for authentication and grading

[James_OldeTowne]

alli, first of all, Welcome to our friendly little neighborhood!

 

Please be aware that there are many replicas of this coin, and as replicas, they have only nominal value. Often times, folks will take a replica of a famous coin, and intentionally "artificially wear" it down, or try to make it look old. It is possible that you have inherited such a coin.

 

If you can provide images, or a scan, we might be able to help more.

 

I hope you have a real one, though!

 

James

[alli-migration]

Thank you everyone...I went to a coin collector who told me it was for sure a fake.

Oh well..... If anything I learned a little about history.

It did give me some excitement for a a few days.... haha

Thanks Again ~

Alli

[TomB]

I will echo those comments that state it is most likely a replica as these were minted to the same standards as US coinage of the time so they should be the same size, weight and composition. Also, there are far more copies of these floating around than there are real pieces.

[EZ_E]

There were also so called half dollars struck of it in the 1920's and placed with others in a Wayte Raymond album. It would be nice to see a scan, though.