Washingtoniana

Remarkable Second Washington/Lafayette Counterstamp

1824 Lafayette Visit Medalet Dies by Joseph Lewis Overstruck on an 1818 Matron Head Cent. Musante GW-112-C3, Baker-198C. Copper. VF-20, Countermark VF Details (PCGS).

Warmly and evenly toned overall in medium copper-brown, the surfaces of both the counterstamp and host coin exhibit good gloss and are free of significant blemishes. The Washington counterstamp is centered on Liberty's portrait, as usual, and stamped a bit unevenly with the lower left rim a little weak. All details from the punch are clear, however. The Lafayette mark is more evenly applied and pleasantly bold. A very popular issue, produced from the same dies that were used in striking the tiny, fragile silver medalets by Joseph Lewis, but here in a much more durable form. Some seen are pierced for suspension, an assurance that they are contemporary and that some were worn as adornments, while others are seen on different host coins, such as 1824 half dollars. However, large cents seem to have been the favorite host and are a bit more plentiful today than any other item struck by these dies. A classic piece and very much in demand.

Estimate: $ 4000