Mystery Disc From Colonial Site - Help?

[Valley Ranger]

Found this quarter size copper disc on a colonial era site here in the Shenandoah Valley. It looks familiar, but I'm stumped. Any ideas? Looks like "IG" stamped on it. I went ahead and used a soft tooth brush on it - brought out the "IG" a little more.

Also found my first large cent today! I'll post more pics later - thanks!

 

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[creskol]

Is it a counter stamped large cent?

 

[Valley Ranger]

Is it a counter stamped large cent?

Don't know Rob. I haven't cleaned it. I'm afraid too. Can't make out any detail. Any suggestions on cleaning and/or bringing out more detail on this, as well as the other piece (large cent).

 

[creskol]

I dunno .. so many people say so many different things with regards to cleaning something like this .. I personally would run it through my ultrasonic cleaner with a couple of denture cleaning tablets thrown in and see if that worked. If it didn't, I would try bathing it in warm peroxide. However, I am sure others will have ideas they will post as well.

 

[Valley Ranger]

I dunno .. so many people say so many different things with regards to cleaning something like this .. I personally would run it through my ultrasonic cleaner with a couple of denture cleaning tablets thrown in and see if that worked. If it didn't, I would try bathing it in warm peroxide. However, I am sure others will have ideas they will post as well.

Thanks Rob. I usually take something like this and boil it in peroxide. The large cent is either an 1801 or 1804. Haven't had time to look close. Later.

 

[kuger]

by chance....does it weigh 1 Gram?

 

[Valley Ranger]

by chance....does it weigh 1 Gram?

Don't know Kuger - I'll weigh it later tonight and post.

 

[creskol]

Don't know Kuger - I'll weigh it later tonight and post.

Sure looks like the ghost of a bust on the second picture ..outlined in green patina

 

[Valley Ranger]

Sure looks like the ghost of a bust on the second picture ..outlined in green patina

Could be . . . what would the purpose of the "IG" stamped on it? It's a little smaller in diamter than a large cent.

 

[RelicHunter97]

Hmm my cousin found something very similar recently, except the letters in the rectangle were HB.

 

[creskol]

Could be . . . what would the purpose of the "IG" stamped on it? It's a little smaller in diamter than a large cent.

It was a form of advertisement very popular during the 1800's. Store owners and other merchants would advertise their establishments and/or their services by counter-stamping coins, especially the Large Cents, and passing them back into circulation. There may have been other reasons as well, but I think this was the most common.

 

[Valley Ranger]

It was a form of advertisement very popular during the 1800's. Store owners and other merchants would advertise their establishments and/or their services by counter-stamping coins, especially the Large Cents, and passing them back into circulation. There may have been other reasons as well, but I think this was the most common.

Interesting. Thanks Rob. I'm going to try some peroxide on the large cent. I'll post soon.

 

[VERMONTPACKRAT]

The disc does not look perfectly round like a coin should be. I dont think that rules out a coin.......... Just a thought.


VPR

 

[Valley Ranger]

The disc does not look perfectly round like a coin should be. I dont think that rules out a coin.......... Just a thought.


VPR

You're right, it's not. I don't know if that is from wear or original to the item.

 

[DirtyMike]

Sometimes the counter stamps were used as authenticating coins. There were lots of counterfeits being made even back then. Although a counterfeit coin would weigh different than the real McCoy. I have read that some local merchants would weigh the coins and if the were the correct weight then they would put there counter stamp of approval on the coin. I have a few I have found. I love them. Adds character. Cool find man.

 

[Valley Ranger]

Sometimes the counter stamps were used as authenticating coins. There were lots of counterfeits being made even back then. Although a counterfeit coin would weigh different than the real McCoy. I have read that some local merchants would weigh the coins and if the were the correct weight then they would put there counter stamp of approval on the coin. I have a few I have found. I love them. Adds character. Cool find man.

Thanks Mike - found an 1801 Draped Bust Large Cent 1/000 about 5' from this item. Got her taking a bath in peroxide right now. Photos to come.

 

[VOL1266-X]

Congrats on the 2 finds Richard. South Jersey Jim recommended that I try warm peroxide on the 1794 LC I dug last March. I did 3 treatments. Then, I coated it with Besswax and that REALLY brought out the rtemaining detail. I'm eager to see if you can determine the date. WTG, Quindy.

 

[Valley Ranger]

Congrats on the 2 finds Richard. South Jersey Jim recommended that I try warm peroxide on the 1794 LC I dug last March. I did 3 treatments. Then, I coated it with Besswax and that REALLY brought out the rtemaining detail. I'm eager to see if you can determine the date. WTG, Quindy.

Thanks Quindy.