1861-O 50C AU58 Certification #29863528, PCGS #6303

W-4, WB-101, R-2 (500-1,250 extant). CAC green sticker. CAC population data: (91 total, 14 on grade, 28 higher). Comment from GFRC: Louisiana Administration, W-4 Die Pairing, Thick Crusty Olive-Gold Patina, CAC Approved, Twin Lakes Collection. The W-4 die pairing struck the second lot of Louisiana Administration Seated halves at the New Orleans mint during February 1861. The W-4 die pairing results from a fresh Obverse 2 paired with the same reverse die used for W-3 strikes. The reverse die develops die cracks at the legend with those at ST(ATES) being the W-4 diagnostic along with obverse date position and weakness at Liberty's foot. The offered example is significant among those extant; a choice original specimen covered with thick crusty olive-gold patina. The PCGS certified AU58 grade accurately reflect preservation state with faint rub at the lower leg. Bright light inspection is an absolute joy as the fields are mirrored and offer reflective luster. The crusty patina simple melts away to expose light gray centers and orange-gold peripheries. Strike is better than average for a the W-4 die pairing with complete reverse devices and only star 8 lacking connect centrils. Housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 Dupont hologram holder with CAC approval. A GFRC JUST BUY IT NOW recommendation.

Ron Guth

In a survey of the members of the Liberty Seated Collectors Club, published in the March 2008 issue of the Gobrecht Journal, the 1861-O Half Dollar was ranked ninth among the Ten Greatest New Orleans Seated Coins: "This issue had the highest mintage of the New Orleans mint coins under consideration for this listing but it was the last Seated coin struck at this branch mint before it was taken over by the Confederacy.  Examples of this issue are in demand as the only collectible coin struck by the CSA.  Many thousands exist and they can be obtained in all grades including mint state.  Randy Wiley described 14 collectible die marriages for this date in Issue #94 of the journal and this group of coins would make a nice set in itself for the Seated half dollar specialist.  Of particular interest would be the existence of some 1861-O proof coins that were listed by Randy Wiley in Issue #97 of the journal.  Most recently an example described as Brilliant Proof was sold for $17,250 in the Stack's auction of the Byers Collection in October 2006.  This issue received scattered support from the respondents, most likely a function of a member's interest in the Civil War and the coins struck during this period in US history."