Hello, I'm new to the coin 'business', and have just inherited a load of old coins, mostly British. I've found some that I've learned while googling that are counter stamped or countermarked for some reason. I would like to know if anyone on this forum will know what they stand for or mean. I will try and attach some photos. The coin with what looks like two B's back to back I believe is a George I farthing.
Bruce (BRandM) is the resident guru 'round these parts. I'm sure he'll be checkin' in here soon........ Nice pictures and coins!
Ah, good ol' green got here first. Yes, I was going to recommend Bruce as well. He's helped me identify/value several counterstamps in the past, and he's even taken a couple off my hands. He's your guy. The title of this thread should prompt him to click sooner or later.
Good to have you here on CT Jim. The "A.C." counterstamp is probably just someone's initials and was carried as a pocket piece considering the amount of wear on the coin. The back to back "B" is probably for the same purpose but could possibly be a company logo. Counterstamping, for many reasons, was very common in the mid to late 19th century...not nearly as common after that. Generally, coins were stamped to advertise a business, to make a political statement, as personal identification or for any number of other reasons. Initials-only stamps like yours are almost impossible to identify for obvious reasons. Thanks for showing them and if you find any more please post them. Bruce
Thank you Bruce for you help. If only the coins could tell their stories of all the years they've been around and the people who have used them!
Yes, it would be interesting Jim. That's why I love to research these things and try to find out something about them. Bruce
