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1861 50C Scott Restrike MS65 NGC. Breen-8001 (?). We p

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:6,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1861 50C Scott Restrike MS65 NGC. Breen-8001 (?). We p
<B>1861<50C> Scott Restrike MS65 NGC.</B></I> Breen-8001 (?). We place a question mark after the attribution because we do not see the tell-tale signs of this Breen number on this coin. A Breen-8001 shows traces of the U.S. reverse around the CSA reverse die, and it is of normal weight, presumably because the reverse was not ground down as with the Breen-8002 pieces. While there is no evidence of an undertype on this piece, we do see evidence of die rust, and there are definite signs of the reverse having been planed off as seen by the circular striations on that side.<BR> Writing to M.L. Beistle in 1923, David Proskey related the story of the Scott restrike CSA half dollars, an issue he was familiar with as he worked for Scott at the time. He wrote in part: "Scott decided to strike impressions from his die, and he sent out circulars offering silver restrikes for $2 each, agreeing to have only 500 pieces struck. Preparing for this issue, Scott purchased 500 United States half dollars of New Orleans mintage with the reverse drilled off. Then for fear that the die would break, steel collar was affixed, and 500 impressions in white metal were struck in order to be able to supply something should the die go to pieces, but the die held intact even after the silver pieces were struck. Each of the latter obverses (Liberty Seated) was placed on a blank of soft brass and then struck on a screw press. This helped to keep the obverse from flattening."<BR> While a screw press may have helped keep the obverse from flattening, it was only a matter of degree. All CSA Restrikes show some flatness of the obverse highpoints. This particular piece has flatness that equates to a VF coin. The surfaces overall are bright with only a slight presence of golden toning on each side. The reverse is sharply defined, as one would expect, and the surfaces overall are exceptionally clean. A lovely, pr