I hate them, I think it ruins the design of the coin. I know some people like the designs of the countermarks, but it makes the coin no longer original stainless
The countermarks often hold just as important a part in history as the coins they were stamped on. Often, they retarrifed older, out of date currencies. In the case of legion countermarks, approved bronze coins that were intended originally for circulation in a single town or city were counterstamped to allow them to circulate among a particular legion. For example, the countermarks of Varus' 17th, 18th, and 19th legions, which were destroyed in the Battle of Teutoburg Forest.
I love them, adds to the character and history of the coin. The coin in my av has notches that most seem to agree were made in antiquity so it could be worn...I like things like that as well.
It depends on the location of the countermark. I have seen some where the countermark totally obscures the focal point of the coin and these I don't like but otheres can be really cool Richard
I agree with the above post as well...I dont like them when they obscure what I feel to be the important parts of the coin...but on the whole a nice little countermark is often interesting...maybe like brian said, I wouldnt want one on some coins.
Like most ancients, it's all about the 'eye appeal' of a coin. Often a worn or countermarked coin can be more visually interesting than some with little to no wear on them.
I voted "Doesn't Matter". That's because I don't have any countermarked coins in my collection, but I don't necessarily hate them...I just don't generally care for them. I've seen a couple that I like, but for the most part, I pass on the countermarked coins.
Here is a very relevant link some of you may enjoy. http://www.romancoins.info/Countermarks.html Take Care Ben
Personally, I love countermarks - distracting or otherwise - as they add another layer of history to the coin. I don't have any ancient coins with countermarks, though.
I really like them.The countermark just adds to the history of the coin, and makes you appreciate the history of coins you normally regard as common..look at this one ! http://www.elsen.eu/index.aspx?tabi...irectoryid=+3528&ctrl=auction96detailsunsolds
