A "circulated" Bashlow CSA cent restrike?

Hello all, I seek your expertise and input once more. I was sent these photos from a colleague who regards me as an old coin expert. (But he's right only about the "old" part, I assure you). This looks like a Bashlow restrike of the 1861 Confederate cent. The hammer and chisel marks are obvious. But I've only seen "clean and sharp" versions, for obviously the restrikes were never circulated. So this one got me stumped. It looks worn down. Is it a replica? I even see the "L" on the lower right corner of the cotton bale on the reverse. Would welcome our input and comments. Thank you in advance for the education.

 

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..i've got a couple of these Bashlow restrikes, but i can't imagine why its worn, other than maybe someone carried it for good luck..it'd be a expensive penny

 

Thanks Ominus1 for your input. That's the thing... even if someone had carried it around as a charm, it would not have worn down so badly. I have a "Sheriff Star" aluminum token I found as a kid which I've been carrying around in my wallet for decades and it's still in great shape because it's never been circulated. Can you tell if this is a casting from a mold?

 

I do not like the texture of the surfaces, but they were made in several different metals. Here are my brass ( center) and goldine (right). the left one is a fantasy coin that often comes up here. I think the chances are higher it is not a true restrike than that is is. JIm

 

They're all quite nice indeed! Your restrikes are clean and sharp, whereas the reliefs on the one in the photo sent to me are very worn down. I know the restrikes were done in around 1961 and that was some time ago. But keeping in mind that these aren't in circulation, I wonder about the wear shown. Even numerous actual coins in circulation for 50+ years seem to be in better condition. Well, this one continues to be a puzzle and I cannot help my friend with a good explanation/hypothesis. I hope others can provide some insight.

 

it's looks to me like a legit Bashlow restrike, maybe just a patina on it..here's my 2..i think mine are legit, but i could be wrong

 

Here is an article that lists 9 confirmed materials he struck these cents. Lead and Zinc , which could possible oxidize to that color are mentioned. Both would also wear rather rapidly.
https://coinsite.com/1861-confederate-cent/

 

I see! Thanks very much.

 

The newspaper article caught my attention. By "letters" were they referring to some sort of "mintmark" ON the coin, or to correspondence ABOUT the coin?

 

I am fairly sure, it is correspondence. If you want a lot of info ( much the same) from the internet, search the following phrase - levi coin world bashlow cent - and you can read for quite a while Jim

 

well, i'm not sure, i need to reread it again, it's been 12 years or so since i got that with the coin... i'll do it and post again later. Edit: what desertgem said too

 

Thanks very much for the link. I'll read through for sure. Appreciate it.

 

Both of these, as well as the first coin shown in this thread, look cast rather than struck.

 

All three (the OP coin and the two in post #6) are copies, not Bashlow pieces.

 

..remember, these are just opinions given on here... they may or may not be correct... for clarity on your friends coin, have him send it to NGC for their "professional" opinion..

 

I agree with Conder - these look like copies and not actual Bashlow restrikes.