I bought this counterstamp just the other day at my friends coin shop. This one is listed in Greg Brunk's book as Y-2, but the maker is unknown. He lists five other recorded examples, four on Half Cents (1811, 1833, and two on 1835's) and a fifth on an 1835 Large Cent. Mine, being on an 1826 Half Cent is a new "variety" so to speak. This mark is probably not attributable to anyone because initials-only stamps are very difficult to pin down for obvious reasons. This, however has a few characteristics that might help in an identification. The individual star in a star-shaped depression is unusual, and is something I haven't seen very often. The punch also appears to have broken at some point, which gives it a unique look. Note the rays at 1 o'clock and 5 o'clock are mishapen and crumbled. If a similar punch is found on a different coin from a known maker, then this one is likely from the same source. From studying the wear patterns on the coin and stamp,I would guess that it was applied in the late 1830's or sometime in the 1840's, probably no later. By the style and characteristics of the letters and symbol, it may be the mark of a blacksmith or other metal worker, though not a silversmith or jewewler. Their stamps are much smaller and more refined. I was told that the coin was part of a collection bought from a local source (South Jersey) and not from the west coast or some far location. This matters because it might indicate that it was passed down through many generations of the same family. It could help with a possible identification. I live very close to Philadelphia, so it might be a Philadelphia piece. Whatever the case I'll research it and who knows, I might get lucky. I'll have fun doing it in any case. Bruce
That is really neat Bruce. I really liked reading your thoughts on the background and attempt one can make to identify these stamps. Congrats on a really nice new piece for your collection.
Thanks Chris. I worked on it a little bit today to get the green out of the counterstamp. It looks much better now than it did in this pic. Bruce
Bruce, I was just looking at exonumia.com for something else and came across this alphabetical list of counterstamps. I thought you might be interested in it for resource purposes if you haven't already seen this or have such a list you use.
Chris, This website is part of Rich Hartzog's token "empire", and is very useful. I've referred to it many times, but thanks for the post anyway. Most or all of these are also in Brunk's index in his boo k, plus more. I think Brunk has about 15,000 listings, probably a lot more by now. My copy of his book is really beat from thumbing through it so many times. It's an invaluable resource, as is Hartzog's site. Here's a pic of the "new" counterstamp ... after I cleaned it up. Bruce
I use a little Koinsolv and a Q-tip and soft toothpick (gently and carefully). The Koinsolv does most of the work, but the "tools" help loosen the more stubborn gunk. It doesn't change the color of the coin or harm it in any way. I've actually cleaned a couple of coins over the years and sent them to NGC for grading with no problem. I like the product, but only use it occasionally on really dirty coins, mostly to clean out gunk in the counterstamp itself. By the way, Hartzog sells Brunk's book if you're interested in getting a copy. He has a limited number to sell and they're a bit pricey, but well worth it if you have an interest in counterstamps like I do. Bruce
Thanks. I think I might look into getting a copy as I keep finding myself interested in counterstamped coins.
