Counterstamps

B.C. HOFF on an 1846 Braided Hair large cent. Brunk H-674, Rulau NY-SY 11. Host coin Fine.

Benjamin C. Hoff (b. 1816) was a jeweler running a jewelry and music store in Syracuse, NY from 1859 to 1867. An advertisement from 1860 states that his company also sold firearms and rented musical instruments, while located at No. 28 South Salina St. This stamp is the one he used to stamp his wares. Hoff was prolific counterstamper of coins with examples reported on almost all denominations of United States copper and silver coins. Brunk lists 4 examples found on large cents.

From the Steve M. Tompkins Collection.

Estimate: $ 175