An 1807 Draped Bust Half With Some Interesting History Attached To It

Acquiring a previously unknown counterstamp is always exciting, yet when one such piece has an important historical backstory, the excitement for this collector doubles. Such was the case when, some months ago, the below-pictured N+DODGE hallmark was acquired in an online auction. This is the mark of Nehemiah Dodge, a Providence, Rhode Island silversmith and jeweler.





Nehemiah, 1774-1856, is an honoree in the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. He is credited with being America's first "manufacturing jeweler" and "founder of the costume jewelry industry." Nehemiah developed a process to plate base metals with gold and silver. It's believed that the process was developed in 1794, when Nehemiah's shop was located on Main Street in Providence.

Jabez Gorham was later an apprentice silversmith to master, Nehemiah; this, between 1807 and 1812. Jabez (and family) later became a world leader in the production of silverware and, like his master, became an honoree in the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.

Below appears a portrait of Nehemiah Dodge. This is a cropped image of the work, painted by an unknown American artist. He lived to the ripe old age of 81 years, passing in 1856. Thus, he got to witness the growth of Providence's into a great manufacturing center that produced affordable costume jewelry pieces for the masses.



Regarding the counterstamp .

Unlike many a silversmith counterstamp, this singular hallmark was strategically placed within the reverse shield. Given this aspect, in conjunction with the added hole, it's most likely that this was, in effect, a personalized creation. That said, it wasn't a piece to be worn, otherwise the hole would be centered above the hallmark, punched through the "E" in STATES. This writer's guess is that this half dollar may once have served as a fob, attached by chain to a watch.

Might this couterstamped keepsake have been Nehemiah's personal "card" or might he have have created it for Jabez Gorham? Note that the date of the coin, 1807, is when Jabez began working for his master, Nehemiah. Counterstamped coins always carry secrets to be told. We now know some of them, being the who, what, when and where about this piece. Yet, the why remains a mystery. There's always more to be learned, isn't there?

Speaking of learning, can one of you Bustie lovers please tell me the Overton variety?

BTW ....Hi, Randy!