Indian counter stamp?

[Bhodge]

I was in south east Indiana today at a church built in 1850. I found this old key, possibly to the church, and these 4 Indians. 1907, 1889, 1890, 1873.
Oddly the 1873 has the stamp "H.V. HOPPER" on both sides. And on the front it looks like it was stamped twice. I haven't been able to identify anything about it. I've heard of older silver coins bring counter stamped but never an Indian. Hope you enjoy the pics.

 

[pepperj]

When I first looked at the photo before reading the information on what was counter stamped, I thought it read whopper But I now know my eyes are shagged, I've got large coppers but never a small cent that's been stamped. Very cool find, liking it! Nice key as well.

 

[Gridwalker306]

Counterstamped coins are great, never saw a stamp on an IH before. Very cool!

 

[Bhodge]

Ok so after some research I think one possible theory is the H.V. Is the name of the railroad "Hocking Valley" and Hopper is the type of car. Maybe??

 

[Bhodge]

But why do that to an Indian penny?

 

[toasted]

Nice finds. I have yet to dig a skeleton key. I have hunted several mid 19th century churches and they seem to be loaded with Indians but not much else. Guess no one put dimes or quarters in the collection plate back then

 

[Loco-Digger]

Those are some nice Indians. That stamped one is cool.

 

[thrifty76now]

Very nice IH pennies.The counter stamped one is a very unusual find.I also like your old key. What town did you hunt in South-East Indiana as I live in Sunman Indiana.

 

[Carolina Tom]

Very nice finds. Those are nice looking IHCs, and the skeleton key is just killer. Well played!

 

[CRUSADER]

But why do that to an Indian penny?

It advertises the business. H V Hopper was the owner of a business (most likely). There are lots of counterstamped copper coins out there but what is odd about yours its its very late, most being done in the early 1800s.