Counter Stamp Question

My 1863 Indian Head Penny has the counter Stamp "HC". Never thought much about it. Do people collect counter stamps? I found a 1903 "HC" on Ebay. Any chance it's the same person? I'm learning. Thanks.

 

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Welcome to Coin Talk. Yes there are collectors that collect counter stamps. Some coins, such as trade dollars, routinely have "chop marks" from their trade in Asia. I have a few counter stamped coins that are "love tokens".

 

I don't think a Love Token would be considered counter-stamped, or at least I consider them to be two completely different animals. Love tokens are more in the "art" realm modification, whereas a counter-stamp is a mechanical 'alteration'. But that's just me.

 

Not really. There could be many HC counter stamps in existence that could mean anything. As well as any other combination of letters.

Here is a RM from my collection

 

Most counter stamps from the 19th century were put there by local businesses and used as a method of advertising in an age where the only way to advertise was by word of mouth. “HC” may have stood for Harry Callahans firearms shop. A bit tongue in cheek of course, but you get the idea.

 

Here's one of mine, it's a Frenchy and it's a very common Soap company stamp! I think the company is still in business, I wonder if their counterstamps helped the company to grow it's clientele!!

 

Do bears Poo in da woods?

@BRandM

 

@BRandM is our resident counterstamp expert.

 

doh

 

My wife knows about Pear soap. That got her attention when the term counter Stamp didn't. Thanks.

 

They are also used anywhere you need a cheap but non-standard marker for something...

* Ball markers for golf
* Tool checks (you put your coin in the cubby when you take the the tool so everybody knows who has it)
* Down in the mine (everybody grabs their coin when they come up - oh ship, we forgot Bob)
* Coat checks

etc.

 

Bere's mine. I meant for it to be my post.

 

There are lots of collectors if coins with a Counterstamp. It was also an inexpensive way to advertise your business. Here's two of mine:

 

I generally agree, but here is one that I have that obviously was given to someone as a gesture of affection. It was also drilled to be used, presumably, as a pendant.

 

If both stamps have the same characteristics and on the same type and date coin it's a possibility. Unfortunately, initials-only stamps are nearly impossible to attribute to anyone for obvious reasons. I've only run into a few examples with initials that have been identified.

As others have said, people do collect counterstamps...I'm one of them. One notable collector of them was Dave Bowers. He avidly researched and collected them for many years and just recently sold his collection. I was lucky enough to add some of his to my own collection.

If you like to research, counterstamps offer a ton of possibilities.

Bruce

 

Fascinating! I was unaware of these until now.

 

Many collectors avoid all counter stamps on modern coins with initials due to the difficulty of attributing them. Even non counter stamp collectors snatch up medieval or ancient coins with single counter stamps. There is even a book about ancient counter stamped coins. In general attributed counter stamps may have a value depending on their rarity and the popularity of their type with military - prostitute - saloons being the crowd favorites.
Mavericks with little chance of attribution bear the smallest value while potentially attributable pieces fetch a medium value. I buy every one that I find for a dollar or less and try to attribute them. I only buy expensive ones when they are from the state that I collect. good luck

 

Looks like the hole was drilled with a pocket knife
Love it

 

Counterstamped coins were created using punches that were created to leave an impression, whereas love tokens were engraved or cut into the surface. Although both methods alter the coin's surface, the processes are not one-in-the-same. On occasion, counterstamps were created with lettering in italics. This "artful" font, created on a punch, can give the counterstamp the look of having been engraved.

 

What's the captions on yours, Collecting Nut? I can read a name and partial date but I'm sure I'm missing something. The second is too fuzzy for me to read. Thanks.

Bruce