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Sale 103
Lot 1130
1861-O. ANACS graded Proof 60. This is an extremely rare New Orleans branch mint proof. Of all the branch mints, New Orleans seems to have been the most prolific at producing these delicacies on sporadic occasions. In 1860, the New Orleans Mint stuck both a half dime and a silver dollar in this format, and then in 1861 this same mint produced perhaps as many as half a dozen half dollars, but no other denominations are known from this year in the proof format. These were likely struck early in 1861, as the Civil War was about to alter the course of the New Orleans Mint for years to come, starting as early as February 28, 1861 when Louisiana sent officials to seize the Mint, soon turning over control to the Confederacy. These Proofs were likely struck in the first weeks that the Confederacy controlled the Mint in March of 1861. One of the proof 1861-O half dollars resides in the Massachusetts Historical Society, the other five or so are in private hands. Lovely golden and blue toning that deepens at the rims, while the centers are brighter silver with russet-gold tone. A scarce coin.
Diagnostics of the present coin include a short lintmark between the 86 in the date, another to the right of the final 1. Matching lintmarks are seen on the proof 1861-O half dollar from the James A. Stack/George "Buddy" Byers Collection coin that was last sold by Stack's on October 17, 2006, lot 1201. The Stack/Byers coin had been examined by Walter Breen in 1990 and included a letter of authentication that it was indeed a branch mint proof. Any knowledgable numismatist would confirm that this coin was a Proof based on its full mirror fields, wire rim and general apperance.
While no contemporary references are known as to the reason for the striking of proofs in 1861, one can assume that a small group of proofs were struck to give to dignataries of the Confederacy to commemorate their taking control of this important mint in March of 1861. The incumbant staff was pressed into service, so no changes were required other than swearing an oath to support the Confederacy. One can only imagine the host of dignatries of the Confederacy that were on hand to witness the official turnover of the New Orleans Mint to the Confederacy, and the mot important dignataries that were given one of these frew Proof coins. Here is a fine example of living history that can be held right in ones hand. Estimate Value $10,000 - UP
Ex Dupont.
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| Realized $28,200 |
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