1826 Capped bust half love token

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Evan Saltis, Nov 15, 2020.

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  1. Evan Saltis

    Evan Saltis OWNER - EBS Numis LLC Supporter

    One of my purchases I got at a pawn shop here in Auburn, Maine a few years ago. The "reverse" is engraved with the name Hattie Maria Spolett. She was born here in Maine on Mar 25 1866. I bought this for less than 5 dollars in a lot I had. I don't think the guy who sold it knew anything about it.

    I wanted to get it to a descendant of hers, and as a genealogist, I tried very hard, but it appears she has no living descendants. How sad, but now she's in my junk silver envelope. Any thoughts my friends? Would have been quite a nice coin otherwise :/ EB0A3EE1-EC71-4B1E-A042-DCB2B26C0425_1_105_c.jpeg DAF17F8F-2A8C-4415-ABF1-5EEE96AC88AC_1_105_c.jpeg
     
    Evan Saltis, Nov 15, 2020
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  3. Paddy54

    Paddy54 Well-Known Member

    Nice piece, I collect IHC love tokens... C:WINDOWSTempE702 - 20191006_181043.jpg fC3uL2ReTZe7UQuv1WQy_20190511_061238.jpg 1876 IHC Love Token.jpg 55a815e9-0feb-4b13-9593-3926f00850bf_fullsize.jpg
     
    Paddy54, Nov 15, 2020
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  4. tibor

    tibor Supporter! Supporter

    Don't sell it for junk silver. Worth much more. Ask @lordmarcovan
    about value. He is very knowledgeable on this topic. It is pierced
    so that is an added feature.
     
    tibor, Nov 15, 2020
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  5. Evan Saltis

    Evan Saltis OWNER - EBS Numis LLC Supporter

    I have it in the "junk silver" folder, which admittedly is rather small right now. I plan to keep it as it is cool but I was unaware of any additional value. I will contact some more people and see if they like it. I would be willing to get rid of it as I am saving for a nice MS princess head.
     
    Evan Saltis, Nov 15, 2020
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  6. Evan Saltis

    Evan Saltis OWNER - EBS Numis LLC Supporter

    Evan Saltis, Nov 15, 2020
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  7. Evan Saltis

    Evan Saltis OWNER - EBS Numis LLC Supporter

    Still waiting on more input if anyone has thoughts not already mentioned.
     
    Evan Saltis, Nov 15, 2020
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  8. Paddy54

    Paddy54 Well-Known Member

    Yes Rob has been looking for holed coins...
     
    Paddy54, Nov 15, 2020
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  9. alurid

    alurid Well-Known Member

    That is an awesome piece. Super nice engraving.
     
    alurid, Nov 15, 2020
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  10. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    It is STILL a nice coin, and possibly worth almost as much for being a superb love token as it would’ve been if it were an undamaged Bust half. As a love token, it is literally unique. As a love token with a specific provenance like that, it is all the better.

    Do not lament the “damage”. Because of the engraving, you know much more of the coin’s history than you would have otherwise, and the genealogical research possibilities are potentially quite interesting, as you mentioned.

    Besides, it was a “steal” at that price.
     
    lordmarcovan, Nov 18, 2020
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  11. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    I collect them, and that one is very neat.
     
    Treashunt, Nov 18, 2020
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  12. Long Beard

    Long Beard Well-Known Member

    Back in the 1800's, a half dollar went a long way. A good chunk of the average person's wages, she must have meant a lot to the giver. Either that or he was well off. Whatever the case, that explains why few love tokens above a dime were crafted. I've even seen one from a 2 1/2 eagle.
     
    Long Beard, Nov 18, 2020
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  13. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    @tibor- thank you for tagging me on this thread. I messaged @Evan Saltis about the love token in the original post, since it is an ideal fit for my sideline “holey” collection, and I prefer nice holey love tokens to plain old holed coins.

    We made a trade.

    As mentioned previously, the coin in the original post is a special love token for a number of reasons:
    • The engraving style, while not superbly ornate, is good.
    • There is a genealogically identifiable person (first and last name) and her birthdate on it.
    • Any love token on a Bust half host coin is a little better. Plus, this one has high grade details on the obverse.
    • The initial “S” also happens to correspond to my own last name.
    In return, since Evan wanted an unaltered Bust half for his type set, I sent him this 1832, which is a nice grey “CircCam”, plus a few other trinkets.

    Win-win. The unaltered coin below fits his collection better, and the love token above suits mine perfectly. :)

    B1BEF756-5D6D-48AD-BAB3-7C48F3FA01E5.jpeg 7E87C38E-7B7C-42D1-A479-C9CF642D74CE.jpeg
     
    lordmarcovan, Nov 21, 2020
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  14. Mainebill

    Mainebill Bethany Danielle

    It’s a beauty as a love token. I’ve actually never seen a bust half so treated. Usually seated coins or liberty gold
     
    Mainebill, Nov 21, 2020
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  15. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    Shame about that small hole but what a wonderful piece to find at a ridiculously low price. It's found a good home!
     
    Collecting Nut, Nov 21, 2020
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  16. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    Actually, the hole is a major criterion for it to fit in my collection. Can’t pin it to my cork board if it ain’t a “holey”!

    (Eventually, I’m gonna reincarnate my formerly-famous hat.)

    upload_2020-11-22_2-58-36.png

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    lordmarcovan, Nov 22, 2020
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  17. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    [QUOTE="lordmarcovan, post: 5142444, member: 10461]

    (Eventually, I’m gonna reincarnate my formerly-famous hat.)

    [/QUOTE]
    I do miss you wearing your hat.
     
    Collecting Nut, Nov 22, 2020
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  18. okbustchaser

    okbustchaser I may be old but I still appreciate a pretty bust Supporter

    Not the vest?
     
    okbustchaser, Nov 22, 2020
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  19. Paddy54

    Paddy54 Well-Known Member

    I'm thinking a full Tux.... with the hat ...so when he walks everyone sez....there goes Mr. Jingles. )
     
    Paddy54, Nov 22, 2020
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  20. 1865King

    1865King Well-Known Member

    This is an 1865 half I picked up a while ago. I'm still trying to find out what happened to this person. 1865 Half Dollar Counter Stamped.jpg
     
    1865King, Nov 22, 2020
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  21. Mountain Man

    Mountain Man Well-Known Member

    I have several holed foreign coins from an old charm bracelet that I'd be happy to trade you. PM me if you are interested.
     
    Mountain Man, Nov 22, 2020
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