Expert: Ronald Fern - 6/14/2011

Question
My husband found an 1861 confederate half dollar, it has the seated liberty with the date of 1861 on one side and the reverse side has the shield and says Confederate States of America/half dollar. What I was wanting to know, is this is a replica? It wasn't in a case or anything, it fell out of a coat pocket when we were going through clothes a friend gave us that one of their rents left behind. Whether it be a replica or an actual confederate coin, is it worth anything?

Answer
Hi Jeannette:

Thanks for the opportunity to answer your question.

With unusual coins like yours, you always need to provide as much information as possible or photos, to help pinpoint what you may have. You don't give the condition, the weight, diameter or the thickness of the coin. Without that, it would only be a guess. No photo came with your question. It is  highly likely your coin is a replica. Without the word "copy", it is either an earlier copy or a replica made from China, where they are not required to state "copy" on the piece.

Pictures and information about the Confederate half can be found on the following web pages :

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

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

Values of recent sales are also listed on those pages.

Check ebay listings under 1861 confederate half to see of your piece is listed, and what it mat bring.

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your items to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.