I thought these two counterstamps would be worth posting because each is unusual in its own way. The first consists of a beautiful pictorial stamp ans the second, though not attributed, has an interesting history in regards to attempts by researchers to find its maker. Pictorials are those who's devices consist of an image or images only with no text. Nice ones such as this are scarce and today are gaining in popularity with collectors. A majority of pictorials depict various renditions of the American eagle, but other images known include dogs, horses, pigs, horseshoes, stars, roosters , and other random geometric shapes. This stamp on an 1820 Large Cent apparently represents a flower. Though it's purpose is unknown, a close examination of it shows how intricate the pattern is. A talented die-sinker spent a lot of time preparing the punch. It appears to be a single stylized arrow-shaped stamp struck five times in a circular pattern to complete the flower-like design. Although just a guess, I would estimate the counterstamp was struck on the coin in the 1835 / 1845 time period. Turning to the "SPL" monogram stamp. Monogram style stamps like this are a bit unusual, and of course like all initials-only stamps are difficult to attribute. This one is listed by both Brunk (L-23) and Rulau (Z80M). There are presently 23 or 24 examples known, all struck on high grade 1851 Half Cents. This example is probably the best or nearly so. Of all the thousands of counterstamps I've seen over the years this is the only one I can recall that shows mint red in the stamp itself. My photo doesn't do it justice, as most of the red doesn't show Initially, these issues were thought to be from the west coast, as a dozen examples were discovered in Southern California in 1970. Also, they were first thought to have been issued by the Southern Pacific Railroad (Southern Pacific Lines or "SPL") for whatever reason. Maybe it was wishful thinking because a California Gold Rush era attribution would make it rare and very desireable. Subsequent research has disproved this theory however. Railroad historians consulted know of no such logo ever used by the Southern Pacific. In addition, the line didn't begin operating until a short stretch of track opened near Newcastle, CA in June, 1864. This was long after the end of the gold rush (about 1855). It also occured to me while doing my own research that it would be highly unlikely a west coast stamp would appear on a copper coin. These large coppers just didn't circulate much past the eastern seaboard and midwest. In California gold and silver were king. There's a possibility thet the "SPL" counterstamp may be attributed someday, but the pictorial probably won't be. I thought these were both interesting counterstamps and wanted to post them for you to see. If anyone has comments or information to share let me know. Thanks for looking. Bruce
Very cool counterstamps Bruce. I can see why you collect them. Many of them have interesting history and tell amazing stories of by gone days. Large and Small Cents has aways been one of my favorite U.S. coins and seeing them with these counterstamps make me want to search for them at coin shows,,,,What web sites or books do you recommend. I'm thinking of starting a collection of large and small cents and I just might like to add a few of these to my collection. Tony
Thanks for your comments Tony. The "bible" so to speak on these issues is of course Greg Brunk's Merchant and Privately Countermarked Coins, published in 2003. His index lists well over 15,000 known counterstamps from the U.S. and other countries. The book is getting dated now, but he's hard at work on a new edition. Unfortunately, it's probably about two years away from publication. Many attributed examples are discussed in the text of his book, some briefly but others in more detail. A lot has been accomplished in the 8 years since the book came out as there are a number of researchers (including myself) who contribute to his manuscript. I correspond with him on a regular basis and periodically receive updates and proofs from his new edition. By all apperances it's going to be a comprehensive and well documented book. The 2003 edition is difficult to find but appears on E-bay on ocassionally, but is quite expensive. Rich Hartzog, his publisher, has a few copies to sell if you want to check it out. His website is www.exonumia.com. There's also quite a bit of information on his site regarding counterstamps that's helpful. The best way to find them is usually at auction (E-bay, Heritage, Stack's, etc.), but as always you have to be careful about what you bid on. Unfortunately, there are no price guides to use as reference when bidding on these pieces. After being involved with them for a long period of time you just get a good feel for what a certain issue is "worth". As far as dealers are concerned, Steve Hayden, Paul Cunningham and several others usually have nice ones to sell. Both men setup at all the major shows. In the meantime if you see something that interests you send me a PM and I'll give you my opinion. Good luck Tony. Bruce
Those are a couple of very interesting CS's Bruce. The flower counterstamp definitely shows a lot of time and effort went into preparing the punch. It would seem the craftsman, after spending all the time preparing the punch, would have stamped enough coins that more would have shown up by now. As for the SPL stamp, we've spoken before regarding counterstamps with only initials...you have your work cut out for you! It is interesting how the L and the P are combined into one, definitely not your run of the mill initials.
Thank you Bruce for all that info,,,,,I didn't know you were that much involved in these counterstamp coins,,,,,,Very impressive.
