Counterstamps

W. LEVIS (in a curved box punch) on 1825 O-105 Capped Bust half dollar. Brunk L-313, Rulau-Pa 75, HT-906. EF Details--Improperly Cleaned (NGC).

William Levis (1785-1842) was a silversmith in Philadelphia at 18 N. Front St. from 1810 to 1814 and in Lancaster, PA from 1825 to 1837. Exactly where he was located and what he was doing between these dates is currently unknown. This punch is found both in a pristine and in a rusted state; this example is from the pristine punch. Less than 10 examples are reported on Bust half dollars. There is also a straight box punch used by Levis. This is a very popular stamp due to its inclusion in the Hard Times series.

From the Steve M. Tompkins Collection. Earlier ex our sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XXIII, August 2013, lot 21777. Lot tag and collector envelope with attribution notation included.

Estimate: $ 600