They are common. They are punched after leaving the mint. There are many punches. Masons, Kennedy, all 50 states and many more. This one is from someone with too much time on his hands.
It is PMD. If you look on the reverse at about 2 o'clock, you will probably see where it was mashed when the letter was hammered into the obverse. Chris
Would you give me your e-mail address? That way every person who starts a thread asking if one of these is a Mint error, I can give them your contact info. Chris
This is also known as a counter-stamp and on early dated coins, some are real ..... But this isn't one of them ....
I've have to disagree with you Rick. Destruction?? Counterstamps were used to advertise a business. The merchant would place a name, a mark or a letter from their business and place the coins back into circulation. It was a common practice in the 19th century. Dr. G.G. Wilkins of Pittsfield, New Hampshire stamped thousands of coins advertising various medicines and other services. He engaged in many professions including a dental practice, barber shop, saloon owner, and peddled products such as “Pure Bear’s Oil” for “what ails you”. Political slogans are also common. Favorites are medical ads, especially patent medicines. There are lots of others. Granted, the coin is damaged from a collector's standpoint but collecting counterstamped coins is a field all of it's own and prices continue to rise.
