COUNTER OFFERS
Q. I have several coins from the 1800s with people¹s names stamped on them. How does this affect their value, and where can I find out more about them?
A. Countermarked coins (those stamped with names, initials, addresses, etc.) are extremely collectable and in some cases quite valuable. While many common ones are in the $10-20 range, rarities can command serious cash. For example, the Eblingºs Columbian Garden piece shown here is worth about $150-200; and the one advertising H.M. Whitbeckºs Circus, $300. Not impressive enough? Well, that humble-looking little Indian Head cent stamped "J.B. Schiller" - the famed New Orleans Siege dime token - is worth a whopping $5,000!
Currently, the best source of information is American and Canadian Countermarked Coins, available from World Exonumia. However, the author is working on a new book, Merchant Counter-marked Coins; and, as part of his ongoing research, he invites readers to contact him about any stamped coins they may have found. Send a brief description of the stamp and the coin on which it appears, along with clear rubbings or photos and a SASE to Dr. Gregory Brunk, P.O. Box 125, Hudson, IA 50643. Be sure to mention that you read about his offer in Western & Eastern Treasures.
Collectors will also want to call or write for details of upcoming mail bid sales of the Brunk collection, featuring hundreds of countermarked coins - and a wealth of tokens, medals, badges, and other material - to be conducted by World Exonumia, POB 4143-BVC, Rockford, IL 61110. Phone (815) 226-0771. The book on countermarked coins is available from the same address.
WINNER BY A NECK
Q. My brother and I recently began metal detecting , and so far one of our best finds is this necklace with seven amethysts in three different settings. The metal appears to be some form of gold; however, there are no identifiable markings. Any help would be appreciated.
A. The necklace appears to date from the turn of the century and is definitely of European origin - perhaps Czechoslovakian. If it is gold with genuine gemstones, then the value could be $1,500 or more; and even if it turns out to be gold-plated with glass gems, itºs still worth $400-500. A special note of thanks to Christie Romero, author of Warmanºs Jewelry, for her generous assistance in researching this item.
FORT-UNATE FIND 
Q. A friend suggested that I write to you about this token: "PAYABLE IN GOODS 25 F.J.D. & CO. FORT THOMPSON, D.T." (Dakota Territory). The other side shows an eagle surrounded by stars. I have no information about it, except that there was once an old cavalry fort, Ft. Thompson, about 20 miles from where I found the token. The metal is brass, and actual size is about 20mm. Any details concerning its age, rarity, value, etc. would be appreciated.
A. According to Military Tokens of the United States, Volume I (Domestic Issues) by Paul Cunningham, "Fort Thompson was placed at the Crow Creek Agency, on the Missouri River in 1864. After service here for three years, it was unoccupied until being regarrisoned again from 1870 to 1871." F.J.D. & Co. issued at least three denominations of tokens for use there: 25 (yours), now valued at $500; and 50 and 100, each listing for $750. (W&ET gratefully acknowledges Mr. Cunninghamºs permission to excerpt the preceding information from his book, which is available from our BookMart department.)
CHARLIE'S BACK IN TOWN 
Q. Mark, I found this 43mm brass medallion while detecting at a friend's house dating back to 1784. Can you identify it for me?
A. It's a British medal issued in 1744 to commemorate the recapture of the city of Prague in what was then Bohemia. The Latin inscriptions translate as follows: (obverse) "Charles, Prince of Lorraine, Avenger of the Perfidious"; (reverse) "By the assistance of Britain, Prague retaken November 26, 1744." Briefly, here's the story behind it. While Charles of Lorraine was battling the French in Alsace, Frederick of Prussia invaded Bohemia and seized control of Prague. When this news reached Charles, he returned with the Austrian Hussars, routed the Prussians, and retook the city. Actually, there was no direct British involvement, military or otherwise. The "assistance" cited on the medal refers to general financial aid to allies in the region. Grading and pricing are difficult in this case. Although it was obviously in excellent condition when lost, the medal has suffered quite a bit of oxidation and pitting. A similar piece showing equivalent detail, but without corrosion, would be worth about $50.
WATCH IT, BOYS 
Q. My husband and I have been searching an abandoned Boy Scout camp dating back to the 1930s. Among our many finds is this Sachem Council 1937 Jamboree kerchief slide designed like a watch dial, with the numbers 3, 6, 9 and 12. The back is inscribed, "Designed by Waltham Watch Co. Craftsmen." Is it valuable?
A. The 1937 National Jamboree in Washington, DC was the first for U.S. Boy Scouts. (An earlier Jamboree scheduled in 1935 had to be canceled due to an epidemic of polio.) The Sachem Council was from Lexington, Massachusetts, which explains why the nearby Waltham Watch Co. prepared these special commemorative slides for them. Although an interesting and attractive piece, it's not too scarce. Price? $10-15 in Very Good to Fine condition.
GIVE 'EM A BOOT
Q. A dear friend 80 years young gave me this token. Front: "PB&S Deveau's 156 Chatham Square N. York." Back: "*Whole-sale & Retail Boot & Shoe Store* 156 Chatham Square. N.Y. 1837." Would you please tell me whatever you can about it?
A. Now that's a neat gift... a real "token of friendship." It's what collectors classify as a Hard Times token, a reference to the period during which it was issued. When the controversial monetary policies implemented by President Andrew Jackson and his successor, Martin Van Buren, led to a national financial panic and lingering economic uncertainty, tokens provided an essential substitute for half cents and large cents in short supply. Some Hard Times tokens actually imitated the designs of contemporary coins. Others bore political &/or satirical messages. Many, of course, were simply advertising pieces like yours. This particular variety lists for $20-25, VF. However, there are a couple of rare ones as well. Find a Deveau token with "MINT DROP" or "NOT ONE CENT" on the reverse, and you'll be $2,000 richer.
