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Anyone know about a "CEE" counterstamp on an 1837 Half?

StrikeOutXXXStrikeOutXXX Posts: 3,354 ✭✭✭✭✭
Just went to auction lot viewing for our local antique auction tonight, and they had an 1837 about F-12 half dollar, but on the obv, between the rim and the neck is a stamped "CEE" running up sideways. It is stamped in a rectangle about 1/4" wide by 1/8" high. If would read left to right if you rotated the top of the head to about 3:00.

The coin has a slight copperish hue to it and the few of us looking at it were a bit baffled. Does this mean anything to anyone?

Thanks!
Jeff
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"You Suck Award" - February, 2015

Discoverer of 1919 Mercury Dime DDO - FS-101

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    NysotoNysoto Posts: 3,832 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I am not familiar with the CEE counterstamp, but it should be worth at least a small premium, and possibly a large premium if the origin of the counterstamp could be identified. An 1837 half will have a reeded edge, check the diagnostics with an 1837 from Heritage to determine if genuine. If it is a contemporary counterfeit, it would also be collectible, especially with a counterstamp. The Brunk book on counterstamps would help. I would be all over this coin.
    Robert Scot: Engraving Liberty - biography of US Mint's first chief engraver
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    JulianJulian Posts: 3,370 ✭✭✭
    If the counterstamp cannot be identified and is just random letters, it will actually diminish the value of the coin.

    If it is a known counterstamp, then the value can be increased.

    Without doing some research, I am unable to tell you about it, but I would not recommend that you purchase the coin unless you are entirely comfortable with the price and want it for your own collection.
    PNG member, numismatic dealer since 1965. Operates a retail store, also has exhibited at over 1000 shows.
    I firmly believe in numismatics as the world's greatest hobby, but recognize that this is a luxury and without collectors, we can all spend/melt our collections/inventories.

    eBaystore
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    StrikeOutXXXStrikeOutXXX Posts: 3,354 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks for the input guys.

    It's probably only worth about $75 or so anyhow, I'll see how the bidding goes tonight. For once, Google has let me down (on the "CEE" mark). image
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    "You Suck Award" - February, 2015

    Discoverer of 1919 Mercury Dime DDO - FS-101
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    numismanumisma Posts: 3,877 ✭✭✭✭

    I agree with Julian. "CEE" is not listed in Brunk or Rulau and, therefore, just considered to be stray counterstamping. As nysoto stated, if the coin is a contemporary counterfeit, it would be worth more with the counterstamp than if genuine. Let us know what happens!

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    Sounds interesting -- maybe you can get close enough to take a good picture, even if you decide not to buy it.

    Rex
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    StrikeOutXXXStrikeOutXXX Posts: 3,354 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I agree with Julian. "CEE" is not listed in Brunk or Rulau and, therefore, just considered to be stray counterstamping. As nysoto stated, if the coin is a contemporary counterfeit, it would be worth more with the counterstamp than if genuine. Let us know what happens! >>



    Not a lot - Bidiots were out in full force, it was the 1st antique auction since just after Thanksgiving here, so they were restless I guess. They had 3 bust halves I was interested in and all went for $100-120 (and none were technically beyond VF).

    They usually only have a dozen or so coins and currency items. Got outbid on a 1798 Large Cent, the halves, a nicely toned early Roosevelt nearly complete dime book, some late date MS buffs, and an HK465 V8 SCD. No biggie, got my son a 1903 Morgan, the wife a few nick-knacks, and that was about it. Got to spend a few hours catching up with the "Regulars" that I haven't seen in nearly 2 months. Got my butt kicked on the currency side on a 35A $1 Hawaii MS note and a 4 consecutive run of 35C $1 notes.

    I think my biggest problem with these auctions is I go to viewing, then come home and check half a dozen price guides, eBay, and other sources to see what I can buy them for elsewhere, then weigh that versus my own or my son's collecting habits and bid reasonably. A coin that I can get almost anywhere for $60 that sells for $110 I just don't get into that image Rarely do I find a coin I absolutely have to have and become one of the bidiots (Usually involves cool die cracks, doubling, or other 'neat' things to me).

    Thanks for the advice, next auction isn't until Feb 23rd, and my bowling keeps me from my coin club meetings/auctions this time of year, so I'll be Jonesing soon image
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    "You Suck Award" - February, 2015

    Discoverer of 1919 Mercury Dime DDO - FS-101

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