An 1875 Indian Cent With Some Interesting History Attached .

Nice little numistaic article.

Pretty interesting piece of history.

Regarding this particular coin, this statement is true, but only IF the collector is a novice and/or isn't versed in the value of counterstamps. Because one collector doesn't see value in any particular coin does NOT mean that another collector will agree; this, given advanced knowledge about a coin .... be it a mint error, a rare variety OR a counterstamp.

This particular c/s has a lot going for it. First and foremost, it is a POSITIVE attribution as opposed to a POTENTIAL attribution. Note the stamp on the coin matches that on the knife. Adding to this, directory evidence confirms that there was but one "George Kay"
residing in Esopus at the time, late 1870's.

So, who would value this Esopus c/s beyond the value of an 1875 Indian cent in good condition? Well, a c/s collector would, as would a collector from Esopus. A NY token collector seeking a rare small town to add to his collection would value it. A collector of cutlery and related items would value it. A collector of inventor c/s's would value it. A Civil War buff who owns one of Kay's rare knives would value it. An ancestor of George Kay would value it .... etc.

In one of my earlier c/s threads, I wrote about the Cattaraugus Cutlery Company which had a c/s similar to this Esopus piece. A friend of mine paid over $700 at auction for a low grade, common date Liberty nickel that had the Cattaraugus c/s on it. He wanted it as the owner was an ancestor. There's no telling what the motivation of the underbidder(s) was.

@idk 12345678 .... I humbly suggest that you read some of my prior posts on c/s's. A great many c's'd coins, PMD though they technically are, have sold in the hundreds, thousands and even millions of dollars. My guess is that this Esopus c/s. in light of the history now attached, would realize a hundred or so at auction.

One more thing, idk, follow some c/s'd coins on ebay and/or check out auction house archives at Heritage and Stack's. When it comes to valuing coins, knowledge is key. Happy collecting ....

Good read,thanks for posting.
John1

Most enjoyable thread.

ExoGuy,

Thank you. As always your posts are interesting and informative. Great insight to a piece of history.