1846 Large Cent Counterstamped By A Gunsmith

A great many gunsmiths tested their signature work stamps on coins. Large cents, given their size, low denomination and higher mintages, were their most frequently utilized targets.




This 1846 cent was counterstamped by John Valentine Geiger, 1831-1913, of Towanda, PA. Greg Brunk, author of the book on merchant counterstamps, wrote that Geiger's father, John E., opened the first gun shop in Towanda in 1830. Thus, J.V. was born into the family business. He succeeded his father in 1858.

My own research revealed that J.V. served in the Civil War, enlisting in the 13th PA Infantry Regiment, company F. He was a corporal and likely valued as a skilled gunsmith. He was apparently discharged in 1862. He also served in the Towanda fire department, wherein he carried the title of "Boss" Geiger.



Note that the above stamp, as seen on a flintlock rifle barrel, matches that on the 1846 cent.

To my knowledge, there are but four of the J.V. GEIGER c/s's extant. Brunk listed two, and I've found two. As the latest dated host coin is 1854, Geiger likely stamped his coins prior to the Civil War, during the 1850's wild days of coin-stamping. Geiger likely gave his stamped coins out to friends, family and/or customers; this, while carrying one as a pocket-piece.