On January 31, 1861,the State of Louisiana seized the The United States Branch Mint on the corner of Esplanade & Decatur Streets in New Orleans near the French Market.It was later turned over to the Confederacy which struck only four half dollar coins before being ordered to cease production. The front of this coin is exactly like an 1861 U.S. half dollar with the reverse design having a shield with seven stars, representing the seceding states(S.C.,FL,MS,AL,GA,LA,TX); above the shield is a liberty cap, and entwined around it stalks of sugar cane and cotton. The reverse inscription is CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA above and HALF DOL. below the shield. http://www.stellacoinnews.com/index.php/seated-half-dollars-1861-o/