Might This 1788 Coin Be A Machin's Mill Piece?

Looks like a counter stamp on a counterfeit George III copper.few details are different than a genuine coin.

Exoguy, I know there is a list of counterstamped coins for Morgans, is there any references that may point to the maker of this stamp, say on other metal products or possibly even wood working?

@Paralyse .... Thanks, Adam, for confirming my suspicion in such detailed fashion. This is the first, counterstamped Machin's Mill piece I've encountered. I have some other counterstamped colonials in my collection, but they are few in number. Otherwise, coppers in general comprise a large percentage.




Yes, CrazybO, there are a great many resources in addition to books on counterstamps. There's a directory of early American toolmakers, a database of toolmakers, Kovel and others list silversmiths, Satterlee and others have compiled directories of American gunsmiths, and there are a great many books that provide info on other occupations, like watchmakers, photographers, cutlers, etc., etc.

Then too, the internet has opened up a whole new world of online resources. In researching counterstamps, I often land on auction websites and specialized, collector forums.

Relatively few of the early American counterstamps/marks have been attributed. To me, the mysteries and occasional solutions of these coin puzzles is the big draw. Once the puzzle is solved, the host coin reveals who once held it, where it traveled; perhaps, how it was used, why it was stamped and other bits of history.

That is a curious counterstamp as well, Adam. The bullets or periods make it more so. Its origin may be British, American or even some colonial possession, a so-called world countermark. If I can find any listings or info on this mark, I'll post it.

Knowing that my AK counterstamp is on an American host coin suggests that it is more likely the mark of an American merchant. These early marks are ever so elusive, even when one has a surname. Here's but one of many counterstamps that illustrates the point ....




One prospective issuer was a James Cox, a NY City clock maker, circa 1810. Another John Cox of Philadelphia was a silversmith, circa 1818. Still, another John Cox was a NY City jeweler in the 1840's. This relatively large counterstamp would not have been used on jewelry, watches and such, yet many an early silversmith naturally turned to the more lucrative jewelry trade which included the sale of imported goods. After all, why spend hours at the bench, making or repairing one product, when one can be selling many imported or wholesale goods, over the counter?

@Taxisteve .... Thanks for the info, confirming my suspicion! I see that you came to the same conclusion as Paralyse did, shown above.

Of the 2,800 c/s's in my collection, I have but two Machin's Mill pieces. The other one appears below. Is there sufficient detail for you to attribute the variety, Steve?

@Paralyse .... THANKS! It sure helps to have an expert like you, hovering in the CCF.

Yeah, I should've said you have expertise in this area. The right books help, too ....