Confederate Half Dollars – Million Dollar Silver Coins

In 1879, the only known copy of the officialto die the original. Taylor was the chief coiner of
coinage metal was discovered in the Confederatethe Confederate States Mint in New Orleans, LA
States of America. This silver coin was widelyin 1861.
known to exist of four Confederate half dollar.Taylor reported that the reverse was engraved
Very few American coins, now we can say soby AH Peterson, and that four test coins on a
much interest from collectors, as this rare halfhand press were made in April 1861. Original
dollar Funke United States Seated Liberty, with itsUnited State SilverPlanchets used by the Louisiana
front and back of the Confederate States ofMilitia at 31 Confiscated in January, 1861 were
unique design.used. One of these coins was given to Jefferson
The story of the finding in 1879 began writing aDavis, president of the Federation. A second
newspaper article E.Mason, of Philadelphia, onmedal was Professor John L. Riddell of the
collecting coins. A few days later he received theUniversity of Louisiana (Tulane) submitted. The
news of BF Taylor, MD, then secretary andthird coin was given to Dr. E. Ames of New
treasurer of the Louisiana State Board of HealthOrleans and fourth was held by Taylor.
that he is a 1861 Confederate half dollar and had