Bust coinage question? Monogram on clasp question from 2005

LanLord

I have been noticing that on the clasp on Bust coins (Half dollar, Quarter, and Dimes) there is a monogram on the center of the clasp.

On a Half dollar, it looks like a script J
on a quarter it looks like a script M (sideways)
on the dime it looks like a script I

however I can't tell if the half dimes have the same thing.

Anyone know any information about this?

I'm talking about the clasp that holds the cloths on the left shoulder on bust coins from 1808 - 183X

Thanks

LanLord

No one know anything about this?

hughesm1

I believe the J on Bust Halves is John Reich's mark of dies he personally prepared.

OKbustchaser

I believe these are actually merely engraver swirls not monograms. As for a J marking the half dies personally created by John Reich, it is believed that his mark was actually a notch on the inner point of star 13.

Jim

Varlis

<< <i>I believe these are actually merely engraver swirls not monograms. >>


That's what I always thought, too. I know on quarters the prominence and visibility of these marks vary greatly depending on strike and issue. On a particularly well-struck coin, then, the mark may appear to be an "S" or sideways "M," but I don't think they're actually meant to be letters.

If anyone has other specific information on this, I for one am interested.

JrGMan2004

<< <i>

<< <i>I believe these are actually merely engraver swirls not monograms. >>


That's what I always thought, too. I know on quarters the prominence and visibility of these marks vary greatly depending on strike and issue. On a particularly well-struck coin, then, the mark may appear to be an "S" or sideways "M," but I don't think they're actually meant to be letters.

If anyone has other specific information on this, I for one am interested. >>

Sounds like a good question to ask in the John Reich Journal Varlis

I just took a look at my XF Half-Dime, and I can see what looks like a U under 60x Magnification... but I don't see it on others... though that could just be because of the amount of wear...

Barndog

Maybe bust coinage questions should be a theme today?

BillJones

<< <i>I believe these are actually merely engraver swirls not monograms. As for a J marking the half dies personally created by John Reich, it is believed that his mark was actually a notch on the inner point of star 13.

Jim >>



Reich placed his mark, the notched star, on his $5 gold piece and half dollar dies. I don't believe that he did for other denominations, but perhaps others could set me straight about that.

LanLord

TTT because it applies to information in another post from today