How to Collect Civil War Coins

Civil war and pre-civil war coins are highly collectible in the world of the numismatist. These coins were minted in Dahlonega and Charlotte beginning in 1838 and were produced for circulation in the South and were made from gold found in Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Look for coins struck at the Dahlonega Mint that have a "D" mint marking. These coins were produced for over 24 years and came in gold dollars, quarter dollar eagles and half dollar eagles. The Pre-Civil War minting did very few gold coins and any found today are very rare.
2. Watch for coins struck in Charlotte that have a "C" mint marking. This branch set their record for production in 1847 when 84,151 five dollar gold pieces were minted. Production decreased in the years following, so any coins from this mint are considered very rare.
3. Check coin collector shows for coins from the New Orleans Mint. From 1838 or 1861 gold coins were minted in limited quantities. During the Civil War the Confederates took over the New Orleans Mint and no coins were minted there again until 1879.
4. Consider historic gold pieces from the Carson City, Nevada Mint. One very popular coin from this mint is the $20 Liberty Gold Coin. This coin was issued in 1850 and is almost one ounce of pure gold.

Tips & Warnings

• Get as much expert advice as you can from a rare coin specialist before purchasing any coin you think might be valuable.
• Make sure the coins you are considering for purchase have been certified. Coin certification provides the purchaser with a guarantee of authenticity and a grade for quality and rarity.