Interesting Counterstamped Quarter (interesting but not desireable in my eyes)

ANACONDA · August 4, 2006 9:19PM

From an upcoming Heritage auction:

1815 25C E Counterstamp AU58 NGC. B-1, R.1. Quarters dated 1815 and 1825 are both known with E counterstamps and L counterstamps. Although a number of explanations have been provided by numismatic researchers over many years, none have positively shown the who, what, where, and why of these mysterious marks. On both dates, the E counterstamp is always located immediately over the top fold of the cap, and the L counterstamp is always located left of the top fold. Most examples have a slight bulge on the reverse exactly opposite the mark, showing slight movement of the metal, although this example has an undetectable movement of the metal.

A recent suggestion by one researcher associated the E counterstamps with the Economites of Western Pennsylvania, and the L counterstamps with the Leonites, both groups active in the 19th century. This highly lustrous and mostly brilliant examples has silver-white color at the centers, with vivid gold and pale blue toning near the borders. It is sharply struck with just a touch of wear and minor surface marks. Highly attractive and exceptionally popular

AU58WALKERS · August 4, 2006 9:39PM

Looks like a damaged coin to me.
I wouldn't want it.

elwood · August 4, 2006 9:52PM

<< (interesting but not desireable in my eyes) >>

Not desireable because of the counterstamp or because of the past dipping/cleaning?

291fifth · August 4, 2006 11:05PM

The "experts" can make up all the stories they want. The simple fact is that the coin has been damaged by an "E" punch and the value should be lowered condsiderably as a result.

elwood · August 4, 2006 11:37PM

<< The simple fact is that the coin has been damaged by an "E" punch and the value should be lowered condsiderably as a result. >>

So should the Brasher counterstamps be valued considerably lower too? Or any of the other counterstamps that bring a premium?

They aren't being purchased as a perfect representation of the date but for the history or the story that goes with them.

291fifth · August 4, 2006 11:46PM

<< 

<< The simple fact is that the coin has been damaged by an "E" punch and the value should be lowered condsiderably as a result. >>

So should the Brasher counterstamps be valued considerably lower too? Or any of the other counterstamps that bring a premium?

They aren't being purchased as a perfect representation of the date but for the history or the story that goes with them. >>

The story in this case is highly speculative and smacks of hype.

shirohniichan · August 5, 2006 12:27AM

Everyone knows BigE counterstamps all his coins. Tha coin must have come from Oregon.

ColonialCoinUnion · August 5, 2006 12:36AM

<< The "experts" can make up all the stories they want. The simple fact is that the coin has been damaged by an "E" punch and the value should be lowered condsiderably as a result. >>

Thanks for clearing that up for us.

ColonialCoinUnion · August 5, 2006 12:41AM

Heres another damaged coin -

RichieURich · August 5, 2006 12:51AM

The Capped Bust counterstamps include L and E counterstamps on both 1815 and 1825/3 quarters. Last year at ANA, the Bust Quarter Collectors Society (BQCS) members examined their counterstamped quarters and discussed the various theories about their origin. It appeared that everyone subscribed to a different theory. Unfortunately no documentary evidence has been found that would explain the origin of these coins. All of the coins had the same typeface, all of the L counterstamps appeared to be over the L in LIBERTY and the E counterstamps were over the E in LIBERTY. One of the counterstamps appeared to be double-punched, and only a few had evidence of the punch on the reverse. Some people believe they were done at the Mint and some believe they were done outside the Mint. If I recall correctly, there were about 4 sets of all 4 coins, 1 set with 3 coins, and 3 sets with 2 coins. Nearly all of the coins were in relatively high grades - most were AU, one was VF and one was Fine; however I have seen one Good recently on eBay. Several collectors are trying to obtain the 4 coin set; I'm one of them and I'm looking for an 1825/3 E coin, if you have one for sale please e-mail or PM me.

NumisOxide · August 5, 2006 12:51AM

I find counterstamps interesting and I think some add character to a coin.

Cool coin ColonialCoinUnion.

JRocco · August 5, 2006 12:57AM

To me, counter-stamps may not improve the eye appeal of a coin, but they often do increase a coins numismatic history (like the Brasher doubloon or that incredible piece posted above by ColonialCoinUnion)
They are totally different than contemporary damage like a "JFK" stamped on a coin.

goose3 · August 5, 2006 12:59AM

there was a recent E one that ended on ebay at around 1100.00.

I like the Houck's counterstamps. Perhaps shylock would post his....I can't recall if it was on a quarter or not. Those go for some serious dough.