Hello all, I am new here. I collected coins as a kid and am getting back into it and going through my old collecting. I found a 1885 Indian Head cent with a "S" stamped on the back near the top. I did some searching online and found that the "S" might be a counterstamp? I am not really sure what that is or if it makes the coin more or less valuable. I took a couple pictures and was hoping someone here could tell me something about this. Thanks a lot! Also if anyone could let me know what they would grade this as, I would appreciate it. I am doing some research and trying to get a better eye for this.
I'm no expert, but it looks like a counter stamp to me. But as far as grading goes, I wouldn't give it more than G-4. The Indian is worn pretty smooth... No idea what the stamp would do to the value though. Let's see what some other people have to say.
Since the counterstamp is only an initial and probably not attributable to anyone or anything in particular it certainly doesn't add to the value. Quite often counterstamps will add value to common coins depending on the issuer or what the stamp "says". Unfortunately, yours doesn't magic. Bruce
the 's' is in the wrong spot so my guess is someone tried putting a stamp on it to fool the unsuspecting or thought it might be worth something i really dont know but in reality nope just worth a few dollars in todays prices the condition is not great
