These are two new counterstamps I bought at the Burlington coin show I went to with 1066merlin. The "Pears' Soap" is a British stamp from a company that was founded in 1789 in London. In 1884, as an advertising gimmick, they counterstamped over 1/4 million mostly French coins and put them into circulation. Obviously, this is probably the most common stamp found on the market today. Pears' Soap was later bought out by Lever. The "PR" is unlisted in any reference, but I bought it because of the interesting style of lettering. This style, with horizontal lines, is contemporary to the 1880's or so, which means that it was probably issued years after the coin was minted. It's also a good diagnostic to remember if other counterstamps show up like this on older coins. If they can be attributed, then it might help in attributing this Flying Eagle Cent. Bruce
A lot of dealers will have a few counterstamps sitting around VA, but you might have to ask for them. Most aren't that interested in them, so will sell them to you for a reasonable price. If you ever get one post a pic and I'll see if I can get any history on it. abe: Do you know if Lever is still in business? Bruce
That's what attracts them to me Siggi. Just out of curiousity, are you aware of any Icelandic counterstamps? If there are any, I'd love to get a hold of one. Dr. Brunk doesn't list any in his world reference, but that doesn't mean they're aren't any. Bruce
Counterstamps are a bit more understood by dealers today than they were even 10 years ago Calum. Some, even most dealers still consider them damaged, but also understand that they have some value (great value in some instances). Years ago a collector could buy them from dealer's junk boxes for face value or at a small premium. I've noticed increasing prices realized for counterstamps at auction, particularly in the past five years or so. Some sell for thousands of dollars,especially those that can be connected to a historic event or famous person. Even if you're no fan of them though, there's no denying the history surrounding them. To me It's a fascinating field of numismatics. Bruce
Bruce, I'm going to a show this coming Saturday. I'll make it a point to try and find one and if I do, I'll post it here.
I too like counterstamps. They just get no respect for some reason. Time may change that...we'll see.
Good to hear from someone else who likes counterstamps Duke. Do you have any in your collection? If you do and want me to check them out for you let me know. I research counterstamps all the time...and enjoy the challenge. Bruce
Very cool new pickups. I haven't seen any counterstamped coins in dealer cases at my last 2 shows, guess it's just hit or miss cause I have seen them in the past.
Yea I have a few. When i get to the bank i'll get some pictures and let you have a wack at it. Thanks
Thanks Hunter. I've found the best place to find counterstamps at shows is at token dealer's tables, or from coin dealers who also have a lot of tokens for sale. You won't find that kind of stuff too much in regular dealers stock, there's just not much demand for it, or the dealer has no interest in them. I'll keep looking for something on a Bust Dime for you and let you know if I see one. Bruce
