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Obverse of 1861 Half Dollar     Reverse of 1861 Half Dollar


1861 HALF DOLLAR

PCGS Nos: 6302, 6415

Mintage:

Circulation strikes: 2,887,400
Proofs: 1,000

Designer: Obverse by Thomas Sully, modified by Christian Gobrecht and Robert Ball Hughes, executed by James Barton Longacre; Reverse by Christian Gobrecht

Diameter: ±30 millimeters

Metal content:
Silver - 90%
Copper - 10%

Weight: ±192 grains (±12.4 grams)

Edge: Reeded

Mintmark: None (for Philadelphia, PA) below the eagle on the reverse

Images courtesy of Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.

Significant examples:
Proof (illustrated above).  Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s "The Benson Collection" Sale - Part 1, February 18-20, 2001

Recent appearances:
PCGS Proof-65.  Ex - Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Cabinet of Lucien M. LaRiviere, Part II", March 15-17, 2001, Lot 1750 sold for $3,910.00

Proof-Net 61.  Ex - Bowers and Merena Galleries' Robert W. Schwan Collection Sale, October 26-27, 2000, Lot 1310 at $529.00

Proof-61.  Ex - Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Cabinet of Lucien M. LaRiviere, Part II", March 15-17, 2001, Lot 1751 sold for $391.00

MS-64.  Ex - Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Cabinet of Lucien M. LaRiviere, Part II", March 15-17, 2001, Lot 1752 sold for $517.50

PCGS MS-63.  Ex - Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Cabinet of Lucien M. LaRiviere, Part III", May 21, 2001, Lot 1502, "Confederate Restrike", illustrated, sold for $9,200.00

MS-62. Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Philadelphia 2000 Signature Sale", August 6-7, 2000, Lot 5566, not plated, sold for $322.00

Brilliant Uncirculated.  Ex- Stack's "The September Sale", September 12-13, 2000, Lot 450 at $345.00

PCGS AU-50.  Ex - Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Cabinet of Lucien M. LaRiviere, Part III", May 21, 2001, Lot 1503, not illustrated, sold for $138.00

Varieties:

Notes:
The finest Uncirculated example graded by PCGS are 9 MS-66's.

The finest Proof examples graded by PCGS are 2 PR-66's.

The finest Proof Cameo example graded by PCGS is a single PR-63.

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"The PCGS Population Report, April 2003" by The Professional Coin Grading Service

 

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