I picked this one up not to long ago. I love the counterstamp on the obverse but I can't find anything about it. The coin is worn but no apparent damage. The counterstamp is C. W. Freeman.
Why do you love the counterstamp? Especially since you know nothing about it! If it were a famous counterstamp with a known meaning, or ties to a known entity, I could see someone being excited about that, but this is literally a random name stamped across the obverse. Why would that make you happy? The crazy huge counterstamp across the entire obverse doesn't strike you as damage? This is the very definition of a damaged coin. And what do you say to the obliterated reverse where the counter-punch wiped out much of the reverse?
For most collectors, counterstamps are damage. For a few, they are great if you can find out something about the company that put it there.
Very nice coin and really pretty counterstamp. Even if it's not cataloged I can still clearly see why you take a liking to it, God knows I would too. Thank you for sharing -Chris
Man I wish I found a coin in the 1800s. Though I live in an area where it was built in the 1950s then rebuilt in 1980s and in the 2010s
Freeman isn't listed in Brunk or Rulau, Collecting Nut, but i found a man who is the likely issuer. C.W. Freeman was a jeweler in Scranton, Pa in the late 1800's until about 1908 or so. I didn't do a thorough search but there seems to be a fair amount of information about him on the internet. I've attached a picture of one of his trade cards for you to see. This is probably from the 1880's as trade cards were all the rage in that period. When you first posted the picture, I thought jeweler or clock maker because of the size and look of the counterstamp. The font style matches the style I've seen in his advertising. I'm sure this is the issuer of your counterstamp but you might want to research him further. If you could find a piece of jewelry with his mark on it you could match it to your coin. Good luck. Bruce
Lighten up! Everyone knows that typed words lose the meaning verses saying them. I speak from my heart, not spouting off. I love counterstamps. It's that simple. They are fascinating to me. Unfortunately I don't know the history but that doesn't change anything. History would only make it more valuable and there are things more important than value. I could say a lot more but I'll refrain. When I say "no apparent damage" I was not talking about the counterstamp, I meant that the coin has no rim nicks, no cuts or scrapes, etc. A counterstamp is damage but it's more than defacing a coin. You should know that. As for the reverse, it's worn and like a lot of Half Dimes, it's wear. I don't think the counterstamp on the obverse is deep enough to cause what you see on the reverse. I've seen a large number of coins with the same wear and no marks of any kind on the opposite side. Perhaps you would feel different if you had the coin in hand. Perhaps not. I only know what I like and why.
Fantastic information. I really appreciate that. I'll do some research in my spare time. Lol It would be great if the counterstamp was his. I live in Pennsylvania.
Sorry, @Collecting Nut , I realize I might have gone a little overboard. I don't understand why people like counterstamps, but you apparently do. I'm glad you're excited about your new purchase.
Thank you. Yes, I do like counterstamps but I'm not nuts about them. Lol. I have one or two chop marked Trade Dollars but I'm not into them. Some people like varieties but I'm not one of them. Although I must admit that there are a few that draw my interest. I find counterstamps interesting. I can't explain it, I just do. Different fonts, styles, etc. Maybe its the history. Did you read the response from BRandM? He's a counterstamp collector and he may have identified mine.
