I can't find the info online, and don't have the book. Does anyone know if this is a known countermark? Thanks!
In the Brunk book on page 385, I see a known example of an 1852 large cent from J.C.Gibbs. But in Russell Rulau's book US Tokens 1700-1900, there is a listing for J.Gibbs a manufacturer from Belleville, NJ on an 1841 Hard Times token.
In my opinion this is a souvenir or a love token. Given the difference in dates I don't think it is a love token. I don't believe that it was a merchant counterstamp. That said it is a nice bust coin with an interesting feature. That may be a selling point to some folks. The folks who don't like it would not like any counter stamped coin.
There's no J. Gibbs that would fit the time period (1897). The Belleville, NJ maker is far too early, but it's possible he could be related. No way to tell that for sure. It's unfortunate that Gibbs is such a common surname. It makes it almost impossible to identify the issuer. A very nice coin though. Bruce
Just curious, Is it not possible or likely rather, that coins already in circulation are more apt to be counterstruck than newly minted coins? I would think a merchant is counterstamping coins he pulls out of his till rather than trying to acquire new coins for him to mark. I suppose it could go either way.
I agree, I'm working on a type coin set of counterstamps. I have quite a few, but my collecting budget doesn't allow for everything. I have to pick and choose what interests me most at the time. I love it when I find the same counterstamp on different denominations.
Most older counterstamps were struck on circulating coins, but not always. Most issues struck today...more than you think...are on new or near new coins. Here's an example, louis. Bruce