Strange large cent carving...

COINS MAKE CENTS

Does anyone have any info on this large cent. Completly worn on obverse and almost on reverse.

J Booth has been carved into it but backwards.

Anyone have any idea?

MWallace

One possibility is it was used to press into a wax seal on a letter.
Very cool piece.

JBK

@MWallace said:
One possibility is it was used to press into a wax seal on a letter.
Very cool piece.

That was my first thought, too.

COINS MAKE CENTS

@MWallace said:
One possibility is it was used to press into a wax seal on a letter.
Very cool piece.

Oh wow, didnt think of a wax press. Thats a great thought.

291fifth

Possibly used by famous actor Junius Brutus Booth, Born 1 May 1796 Died 30 November 1852. He was the father of John Wilkes Booth and signed most of his letters as simply J. Booth. There is a PBS "History Detectives" segment on him that you may find very interesting.

Many of his letters survive so it would be possible to match up wax seals if they have survived as well.