NNP

1861-O 50C CSA Obverse, WB-102, Die Pair 11, R.3, FS-401, XF40 NGC. With arguably the most famous die crack in the entire federal half dollar series this side of the 1807 Bearded Goddess Bust half, the 1861-O die pair 11 features the same obverse that was used to strike the famous "original" Confederate half dollars. On those four coins, the obverse die was paired with the genuine Confederate design "reverse," although in effect either side might have been considered the obverse in 1861 at the New Orleans Mint. The present coin shows a diagnostic die crack that runs from the edge near star 7 to the bridge of Liberty's nose, and continues to the mouth. The crack reaches the shoulder in later stages of the die. Traces of reddish-gold luster remain on this moderately circulated example. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15121, realized $2880. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.