First off, I am very new to coin collecting and my collection is quite meager at this point. But, I do find it interesting and love the "thrill of the hunt". I have question about a coin I found several weeks ago (and the coin that got me interested in this). It is an 1809 Capped Bust Half Dollar. A fairly common coin (for something that is 200 years old), and this one is pretty worn. But, it has a couple of interesting markings on it and I can't find anyone locally that knows what they mean (or if they actually have any meaning). On the right side of the Eagle (the Eagle's left) in between the crest and the eagle's left wing there is an "S". Opposite that "S" under the eagle's right wing there is a "C". I am pretty sure they were not marked on there any time recently as the right wing of the eagle is almost completely worn off and the C right under it is almost completely worn off as well. The S is fairly worn also and has a good deal of pitting within it. I'll attach a couple of pics. It was hard to get anything close up because my camera wouldn't focus. Any ideas? Thanks so much in advance!
During the history of coin productions, society seems to have used them extensively for makeshift jewelry, lucky coin, keepsakes, love tokens, etc. Yours appears to have a tool ( punch) produced "C" counterstamp and an adjacent "S" which is called " graffiti " as it is done by hand. Unless it is family history, it is just a guess as to meaning. A collectible coin that was someone's personalized piece of history. For the wear, a handsome coin. Welcome to the forum!
That was the first thing I thought! Been googling, but haven't found any info on anything like that yet.
Then it would have been stamped CSA the official Confederated States logo. All US produced coinage during the Civil War era maintained it's legal tender status in the South.
