Can I get your input on these counterstamped US coins?

Valuing counterstamps is always a tough call, Rich. No grey sheets or red books to check. You get a feel for value only after being exposed to auction prices over a long period of time. A real rough estimate would be $250, maybe a bit more. I haven't considered a value for the "RF" stamp as if you're in the camp that believes they're legitimate, their worth would be higher. I lean strongly towards them being fantasies, so in my book it's value is minimal.

I'll check your new ones when I get a chance. BTW, what is the stamp on the first one? I can't make it out from the picture. "FK" maybe?

Bruce

 

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Well goodness, Jack, you're already a gentlemen. Now me on the other hand...I can only aspire to raise myself to the level you've already attained.

Bruce

 

First one is a Vermont Landscape and looks to be a T K.

 

Thanks, Rich. I'll check it out.

Bruce

 

Not only is this a fun place but its also open 24/7.

 

Yeah, and it don't cost ya no money to look........but it's the looking (and the wanting) that costs ya money......

 

Probably your best indication of value for these will be completed sales on eBay and the like.

 

Geez, Ken, I never thought anybody would recognize me when I was a kid. Oh my!

Bruce

 

I checked out the Buel piece and the other four, Rich. All are unlisted. The only value to the "TK" (?) counterstamp would be to someone who collects Connecticut coppers, so I have no idea to its value.

The "(Flower)" and Star (?) would be of minimal value as well. The flower is probably from a punch used by a metal craftsman (coppersmith, tinsmith, etc.) to mark his products. The star may be from a tool rather than a purposeful punch.

The "D. Holden" is more interesting. Although it would be very difficult to attribute, the italic style of the lettering and the host coin are appealing. The hole doesn't distract much, as it's small and neatly drilled. The coin was likely a personal piece worn by Holden on his clothing or suspended on a chain around his neck. This one I would guess to be worth about $75, possibly $100.

Bruce

 

A new group of counterstikes -

 

I recognize a few of these, Rich. I'll check them out.

Bruce

 

The 1855 makes me sad. There are some nice coins in there that would have looked better unmarked in my opinion

 

It is a nice half cent and the reverse has some original mint luster (and some residue of some sort).

Thank you Bruce

 

Your "C.T" is a neat old stamp, Rich. There's actually about thirty examples documented, which makes it fairly common for a counterstamp. Brunk lists it as T-16 and Rulau MAV46F. I don't suspect the issuer will ever be found. One of those tough initials-only stamps... $20 / $30.

"John Donahue / (Star)" is listed as D-433, but the example he shows has no star. It's on a 1857 F/E Cent, so is probably the same coin that you have. It may have been reported incorrectly to Brunk. The name's too common to have a decent shot at attribution, so it might get $30 or so.

"D.A. Jones / 1846 / US" is listed as J-197, but no one has identified the issuer. From the style and legends, though, Jones is likely a gunsmith or posssibly a sword maker. The "US" stamp on a weapon suggests that it were manufactured at a federal arsenal, in this case either Springfield or Harper's Ferry. The date "1846" would indicate the model year, in this case "Model 1846." The model 1846 was a percussion rifle which began production in 1842 at both federal arsenals, and continued in production through the Civil War. Apparently, Jones, if he were a gunsmith, would have been employed by the government. Federal contracts were awarded to private gunsmiths as well, but I don't know if they "signed" their work.

There's also a model 1846 naval cutlass, so Jones may have been a sword maker. It's been suggested that he could also have been a lock maker, but I don't think these are lock maker's marks. Being undocumented, I'd put a value of about $75 on it. If Jones could be identified, then maybe double that estimate.

One of the most common U.S. counterstamps on silver coins is that of J.M. Taylor. Although it's not clear what kind of broker Taylor was, he may have been a money seller or currency dealer. I'm not sure about a value on this one. Plenty of them appear on eBay, so you could check past auctions. The scratches distract a bit on this one, but the stamp itself is pretty well struck.

I couldn't find out anything about the "W.EL" or "J.M" Do you know what the reference to Syracuse, NY and Pg. 158 refers to? Is the "W.EL" stamp documented somewhere, do you know?

Bruce

 

I just got a hold of the owner. I purchased a group of books for him online a few months back. He told me the page numbers refer to Brunks book.

 

I should have checked that first, Rich. "W.EL" is listed on page 158, but not attributed.

Bruce

 

He also said that he thought the D A Jones piece was from Winsor, Vermont. He commented that he thought it was a relative of his (but didn't explain).

Rich

 

I checked out some history resources of Windsor, VT. but didn't find any record of a D.A. Jones, Rich. However, there was a company there in the early 1850s named the Robbins & Lawrence Armory, so maybe Jones worked for them. I'll see if can find anything about that company.

Bruce