Ever see an 1894 Large Cent?

Yes, an 1894 Large Cent! I came across this very unusual counterstamp at the Whitman show in Baltimore on Friday. Steve Ellsworth had it in his case, and it was so odd that I just had to have it. For whatever reason someone took an 183? Large Cent and counterstamped "1894" over the date. I'm sure it had some personal meaning to the person who stamped it, but this is one I'll never be able to attribute. Just a fun piece I wanted to post for you to look at. Anyone else have any oddballs like this they want to share?

Bruce

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

strange and yet neat

 

And it looks like the 4 is repunched several times. Cool coin.

 

Just waiting for someone to say MD

Very cool piece Bruce! Congrats on the addition!

 

Very cool! Congrats. Nice find.

 

My guess is that someone in 1894 got that old cent and marked the event by marking the coin. From what I have read the demise of the large cents and the advent of the flying eagles started the hobby of collecting coins in the United States.

So by 1894 most people know that those old cents are worth something more than face value, a guy happens across a common 1830's era cent that carries no premium, he is told that it is not worth any more than an 1894 cent, so instead of letting the dealer have it for face he takes it home stamps 1894 into it and puts it away until years later one of his heirs finds it and sells it for a few dollars to a modern dealer.

That's one way it might have happened.

 

I appreciate your comments guys. The 4 has been repunched 4 times, and I figured the person was trying to cover the last digit of the date and it took 4 tries to get it right. You're probably right Chip, the Large Cents didn't circulate much after about 1860 so this coin was probably pulled from a collection and stamped for some personal reason. I've collected and researched counterstamps for years and haven't seen one like this before. It really is unique. I don't know if anyone noticed or not, but the planchet also has a small clip at 7 o'clock.

Bruce

 

Very cool large cent. I did notice the clip which definitely adds to its character! Did you see any other interesting counterstamps?

 

I did get a couple more that I'll post later Hunter. Sorry, no bust dimes though.

Bruce

 

I believe that's the famous 1894/49 incised date error.

 

I'm pretty sure that's PMD.

 

I think you're right Dave...I "stole" this baby for only $22, so when I go out to sell this rare error I should make a handsome profit on it. I don't think I'll let it go for any less than $22.75.

Bruce

 

A GREAT cherrypick :yes: