NGC-Certified Original Confederate Cent Leads Auction

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[NEW YORK, New York] – Spink Smythe will auction a rare "Original" 1861 Confederate Cent at its auction being held in New York City on November 6, 2008.

In 1861, the Confederate States of America contacted prominent Philadelphia jewelers Bailey & Co. regarding a supply of cent coins for the South. Bailey & Co. asked Robert Lovett, Jr. to produce the pieces and he struck 12 in copper-nickel. These are considered "Originals" as later restrikes were made only in silver, gold and copper. The Confederacy ultimately did not adopt the piece, and these cents remain the only coinage designed for the Confederacy.

Matt Orsini, Vice President of Auctions for Spink Smythe, comments, "Overall, the look of this example is quite spectacular and this offering represents a rare opportunity for the Confederate enthusiast seeking what is, alongside the original Confederate Half Dollar, the ultimate artifact from a country that never grew out of its infancy."

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The coin will be offered alongside a complete collection of Confederate currency. The auction and lot viewing schedule, as well as the catalogue in its entirety, will be available at www.spinksmythe.com and interested bidders are also invited to request a catalogue at 800-622-1880 or via e-mail at info@spinksmythe.com.

This is a guest article from Spink Smythe Auctions. The thoughts and opinions in the piece are those of its author and are not necessarily the thoughts of the Certified Collectibles Group.