1835 CBH with countermarks. What is this?

norwegianguy

The coin has a "7" on the obverse, and a "*" (asterisk) on the reverse.
Anyone here who knows what this means?

amiller

Whoa, two obverses, very cool.













Just kidding of course, can you fix the pic link?

norwegianguy

Hehe.. .now I have corrected it.

STONE

Don't know what it means, but it's cool.

I'll bring it to the top for the more informed CBH people to comment.

Quarternut

There is no meaning to the obverse "7" that I know of, or that is listed in any books on countermarks. My guess is that someone made it their "lucky" pocket piece by stamping the number 7 on it.

The countermark on the reverse however, is significant. That is most likely a Chinese "chop" mark that merchants in the Orient would put upon coins to signify that it was good silver and not a counterfeit or base metal coin. These marks are predominately seen on United States Trade Dollars made from 1873-1885, that were produced specifically for use in the China trade. Occasionally other U.S. coins would make their way over there and be marked as well.

There are a few know Bust Half examples with chop marks, but they are not common. I think that for the last 10 years or so that I have been tracking counterstamps on bust coins, I have seen only 6 or 7 pieces.

Very pickup!

QN

norwegianguy

Thanks, Quarternut

I just love to get answers here on the forum.

I guess my 17 dollars were well spent, then

Quarternut

I guess my 17 dollars were well spent, then

I would be happy to double your money any time...

QN