 1861 Brilliant Proof or better. The reverse is virtually Choice. Attractively toned in shades of magenta, russet and blue around the rims with the centers brighter and the fields retaining their reflectivity. Minor hairlines in the fields limit the technical grade, but the eye appeal helps to offset this minor offense. Although 1,000 were struck, it is believed that 600 of these were melted as unsold, leaving a net mintage of 400 coins. Struck in the year that saw the long anticipated outbreak of hostilities between the Northern and Southern states.
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