Options
Just arrived - sweet early commemorative cherrypick
seanq
Posts: 8,816 ✭✭✭✭✭
Had to wait for this one to sit in my grubby paws before I posted it. A couple of weeks ago I won this lot of three classic commems on eBay. Here's a quick scan of what the Stone Mountain half in that lot looks like:
Quoting now from LeeG's terrific post on Stone Mountain halves, here's the story behind the counterstamp:
<< <i>Perhaps the most interesting scheme, however, and the one with the greatest value to present day collectors was Hill’s idea to counterstamp a number of coins with the initials of various southern states and a range of serial numbers. These special souvenirs were then auctioneered amid much publicity; one example counterstamped for Florida realized an amazing $1,300! These have become quite popular with coin collectors, but purchasers are warned to buy only coins which have accompanying documentation, as the counterstamps can be replicated. >>
The seller posted a big pic of the reverse of half and noted that it was stamped with three numbers and two letters. From his picture I was able to compare the stamped numbers to a coin I found in the Heritage archives, which convinced me the auction coin was genuine. Bowers & Merena also sold a large collection of these counterstamped halves a few years ago, though the VA stamp was missing from that collection.
With so many eyes looking at ebay every day, I have absolutely no idea how I was the only one to recognize that coin and acquire it so cheaply. I actually wrote the seller on the second day of the auction with an offer to close early, which he politely declined; after five days of flopsweat, I wound up winning the group for less than my original offer. NGC will certify these and note the counterstamp on the insert, so I'm going to send this one in. I figure it should grade AU-50 to 55, there is some light rub but still plenty of hidden luster, which should make it worth in the neighborhood of $800 or so.
Sean Reynolds
Quoting now from LeeG's terrific post on Stone Mountain halves, here's the story behind the counterstamp:
<< <i>Perhaps the most interesting scheme, however, and the one with the greatest value to present day collectors was Hill’s idea to counterstamp a number of coins with the initials of various southern states and a range of serial numbers. These special souvenirs were then auctioneered amid much publicity; one example counterstamped for Florida realized an amazing $1,300! These have become quite popular with coin collectors, but purchasers are warned to buy only coins which have accompanying documentation, as the counterstamps can be replicated. >>
The seller posted a big pic of the reverse of half and noted that it was stamped with three numbers and two letters. From his picture I was able to compare the stamped numbers to a coin I found in the Heritage archives, which convinced me the auction coin was genuine. Bowers & Merena also sold a large collection of these counterstamped halves a few years ago, though the VA stamp was missing from that collection.
With so many eyes looking at ebay every day, I have absolutely no idea how I was the only one to recognize that coin and acquire it so cheaply. I actually wrote the seller on the second day of the auction with an offer to close early, which he politely declined; after five days of flopsweat, I wound up winning the group for less than my original offer. NGC will certify these and note the counterstamp on the insert, so I'm going to send this one in. I figure it should grade AU-50 to 55, there is some light rub but still plenty of hidden luster, which should make it worth in the neighborhood of $800 or so.
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
0
Comments
Congrats!
"La Vostra Nonna Ha Faccia Del Fungo"
Just wondering.
<< <i>So what's the chance that the counterstamp is a fake?
Just wondering. >>
My thoughts as well. Are these well cataloged or do they fly under the radar of those that would fake them?
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
<< <i>
<< <i>So what's the chance that the counterstamp is a fake?
Just wondering. >>
My thoughts as well. Are these well cataloged or do they fly under the radar of those that would fake them? >>
I sincerely doubt that this is a fake, although LeeG mentioned that fakes do exist. The only fake I found in all of my searching for comparative examples was pretty crude. Here's the Heritage coin that convinced me this one was the real thing. The font used for the 2 and the A is quite distinctive. The 3 also matched up exactly to other certified examples. Also the position of the stamps is in keeping with other verified examples.
There is a short book - more of a pamphlet, I guess - on these coins, written back in 1987 by Adna Wilde and published by the ANA. It is referenced in most of the descriptions in the B&M page I linked in my first post. Wilde compiled a list of the known counterstamps along with auction records. I'm trying to get my hands on a copy now, there's a seller on eBay with a couple of copies but I got outbid on the first one I went after. I'd love to know if this coin is listed.
As to whether I suck or not, I'm hoping for an official ruling there.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Adna Wilde of Lesher Dollar fame also wrote a booklet on these!
Check this out on eBay!!
LINK
John
Evergreen, Colorado
cadmanco
In other words, You Suck Lite™ with a sticker.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution