Counterstamps

B. RAPP (4) counterstamped in a box punch on both sides of an 1842 Braided Hair large cent. Brunk R-78, Rulau-Mav 36T. Host coin Very Good.

The type, size and style of this stamp suggest an 1820s time period. However, Bernard Rapp was a coach maker and machinist working in Philadelphia, PA. He is first listed in the city directories in 1859 as a coach maker with a shop on Market Street, but then is not listed in ant subsequent editions. He is listed on the 1860 Federal census as a machinist. Brunk gives no information on this issuer, but does list one example reported on an 1826 half cent and three early large cents, making this a new example.

From the Steve M. Tompkins Collection.

Estimate: $ 200