Found a Hoard of Liberty Seated Halves, Dimes, and Half Dimes

nesvt

Stopped at a stinky indoor flea market today. I could barely breath in the place... musty, moldy, damp, hot. In the center of the room was a group of folks chain smoking.

I found a case with a few dozen Liberty Seated coins. They were ALL made into necklaces. All of them had been re-carved on the reverse. Not the "hobo nickel" type of carving. They were all engraved with people's initials and little designs around the rim. Some were holed. Some had chains soldered to them. They were being sold as "love tokens". Guess it refers to being given as a gift and a sign of love?

I have a few holed coins, but don't have any coins with re-surfaced reverses. Most of the obverses looked AU!

I didn't buy anything. Are there collectors for love tokens? Are the values similar to holed coins?

tmot99

I can't answer anything about the prices, but people do collect love tokens.

DorkGirl

Yes, there are collectors who love them. The more ornate the engraving, the more they pay for them. Some of them are amazing!! I saw a 1895 Morgan that was engraved with a couple's name and wedding date on it, very cool!!

kiyote

The most mind-boggling thing I saw was also at a flea market-- a hideous turquoise and silver belt with about 20 Oregon half dollars, all Indian side up, being worn by what looked like the original owner.

kamehameha00

<< <i>Stopped at a stinky indoor flea market today. I could barely breath in the place... musty, moldy, damp, hot. In the center of the room was a group of folks chain smoking.

I found a case with a few dozen Liberty Seated coins. They were ALL made into necklaces. All of them had been re-carved on the reverse. Not the "hobo nickel" type of carving. They were all engraved with people's initials and little designs around the rim. Some were holed. Some had chains soldered to them. They were being sold as "love tokens". Guess it refers to being given as a gift and a sign of love?

I have a few holed coins, but don't have any coins with re-surfaced reverses. Most of the obverses looked AU!

I didn't buy anything. Are there collectors for love tokens? Are the values similar to holed coins? >>



How much were they? I've seen smoe on the bay of E go for quite a bit of money....

nesvt

<< <i>How much were they? I've seen smoe on the bay of E go for quite a bit of money.... >>



I think the most expensive was a half dollar for $35. The cheapest was probably $8.

ibzman350

Posted this braclet before, one of my auction finds.












Herb

nesvt

Herb, that's pretty cool! That is exactly what the reverses looked like. I've never seen that stuff before. These were all necklaces. I might swing back and pick up one or two.
Thanks for posting those pictures.