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Message:: [QUOTE="ExoMan, post: 3078163, member: 72588"]I was just in the process of doing a search for some counterstamp info and stumbled upon this old thread. Upon reading it through, I thought I'd offer my "penny's worth" on the I/J discussion. It's long been my understanding that the early use of the "I" initial was specifically used by men named John. John translates to Ian; the names being synonymous. Here's an example from my collection. Beldon, author of a book on silversmiths, attributes the below I-B hallmark (with a dot or bullet between the letters) to John Burger. He does not mention the heart "touchmarks." Beldon dated it to 1805-07. Burger was listed as a silversmith in an 1808 directory, doing business at 62 James Street in NY City. Note that the below host coin is dated 1801, being consistent with the era that Belden ascribed to this mark. [ATTACH=full]774615[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]774616[/ATTACH] Here's hoping that this interesting counterstamp thread continues to evolve ....[/QUOTE]