(No Date) Token HT-B452, Philadelphia on 1835 10c PA

Coin Details

Description

This Philadelphia counterstamp on a U.S. dime dated 1835 is part of the extended HT-452 counterstamp series. The Capped Bust dime (approximately 18mm) provided slightly more surface area than the half dime host of HT-A452, allowing for a clearer counterstamp impression while still representing a relatively small denomination for this purpose. The choice of a dime as a host coin for counterstamping represents a middle ground between the abundant but small half dimes and the larger but less common quarters and half dollars. Dimes circulated freely in the 1830s and would have passed through many hands in daily commerce, making them effective vehicles for advertising even though the counterstamp might reduce the coin's aesthetic appeal and potentially its acceptability to fastidious recipients. The HT-452 series documents a Philadelphia counterstamper who was remarkably thorough in marking coins across multiple denominations—half dimes, dimes, quarters, and other denominations. This systematic approach indicates a well-established business with high enough volume to encounter diverse coinage regularly and a consistent advertising strategy using counterstamps as the primary promotional tool.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Philadelphia counterstamp on 1835 dime.

Cross References

Rulau HT-B452