Hey guys, new to the site. I just came into ownership of a 1861 confederate half dollar and need to know if it is the real deal or not. Here are the images of it front and back. Thanks!
The images aren't very helpful...too small and dark. But, only a couple authentic examples are known to exist and there are thousands of fakes. So, in all likelihood it is a fake...probably a 99.9999% chance. Sorry.
Here is the most common one that people find, or some relative has left it in a drawer after death, etc. It is made of a different metal. hard to tell if same as yours. Common in gift shops in "confederate tourist places". http://www.libertybellshop.com/civil-war-confederate-half-dollar-1861.html Jim
I don't think it's a real one. Its a very shiny silver, like a new coin, which would be rare for a coin over 100 years old.
There are only 4 real ones. All documented. There were restrikes, also rare. Chances are what you have is some kind of replica.
The confederate half dollars had a confederate reverse and the obverse was a US shaved down 1861-O half dollar that was used for the end result. There are only 4 reported, that were made officially. However some sell the real 1861-O US half dollar that had the obverse distinguishing features but the original reverse rather than the confederate reverse. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1861-O-PCG...S-401-WB-102-Seated-Half-Dollar-/142600952604 Ebay, Etsy, Swap meets, have imported copies from the far east ( see Aliexpress) for examples, and that is most likely what you have, although photos would clarify. The cost about $3 US from China.
Hi I have this 1861 half dollar ...I do not know if this is real or fake? This is very old and dark color and thin.I think this is fake.....It stick in magnet ...so this is fake right???? it looks like the original picture but it stick in magnet. Please let me know so i can set it aside. Thanks
Hey guys, I also have the 1861 half dollar and it’s in great shape and shiny but it WONT stick to any magnet that I have access to and they are decent magnets. Where should I get this appraised? I live in the northwest corner of Mississippi, let me know
Unless you can get it appraised FREE, please post a photo, as the chance of it not being is mega lottery level. China makes silver plated BRASS copies, so they will not be attracted to a magnet, https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pr...lver-Plated-Copy-Coin/736125_32942828399.html