I have just come across a nice coin collection and have noticed that several are stamped "S.R" does anyone have any idea what this means? . They are from a range of different countries.
Some guys get so mad at their wives that they punch a hole in the wall. Other guys punch their coins. Chris
This trio of counterstamps display tiny letters, akin to what fine craftsmen like watchmakers, silversmith and jewelers would use. Checking silversmith listings by Kovel and a few other sources, I see no matches. The bordered letters suggest this is a hallmark of sorts, used to mark products. My guess in that these stamps may be pre-Civil War; this, given the use of a bullet between the two letters. The letters, S and R, being misaligned, I'm inclined to suspect that the "issuer" may have been an apprentice, someone relatively unknown. Note that all three coins are silver. Having been kept together all these years, they may have been "stash," destined for an artisan's melting pot. It wasn't unusual for merchant's who dealt in silver and gold products to mark their stash in case of theft. In researching counterstamps and tokens, I often peruse old newspapers. I once ran across an account of a thief being arrested by "virtue" of possessing a stamped coin, stolen from a jeweler. Given that these are apparently maverick hallmarks, a positive attribution would hinge upon finding a product or another coin that provides clues, like a stamped town, address, occupation, etc. Perhaps, Bruce can expand on my thoughts ...
I agree with ExoMan. Likely the work of a fine metal craftsman because of the size and style. Greg Brunk does have a listing for an S+R in a serrated square on an 1802 Large Cent (S-21). Probably not this one, but Brunk has no image to show and does not attribute it. Also, the coin is copper unlike the pieces shown here. At least by the picture of the Mexican coin, I see no border as on the others. Either two individual stamps were used or it just doesn't show on you picture, Michael. It's possible that each letter was separately punched which would explain the misalignment that ExoMan notes, but it's more likely a poorly cut punch. Bruce
Also on the smallest coin : an R by itself. I read here on a previous thread about such counter stamped coins, that years ago some collectors would mark their coins with stamped initials. Wasn't that you, Bruce? And you sent me some of your own counter stamped coins, which I still have. Cool coins.
Some old time collectors did mark their coins in some way so that they could be identified, Hookman. Glad you still have my coins. I do remember sending them to you. Bruce
It would be cool if we could see the other sides of the coins. @Michael430 the punches could be unique to each other. The displaced metal on the other side could help confirm some of our thoughts.
