Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Confederate half dollar

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Question
I have a 1861 Confederate half dollar. It has 17 buds on the reverse side, and the breasts, legs, and feet are still very prominent on the front side. The lettering "Liberty" is still very readable. There is a stamp of an "R" on the right hand side of the shield on the back. Is this an original? Is it a restrike? Or is it a fake?

Thanks,
Heath

Answer
Heath,

From your description it's doubtful you have an original or a restrike -- more likely a modern copy.

Pictures and more info can be found on these web pages :

http://www.coinfacts.com/confederate_coins/1861_scott_restrike.htm

http://www.coinfacts.com/confederate_coins/confederate_coins.htm

I would like to see pictures of your coin -- please send to :
Working.Man@usa.net

I hope this helps,

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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