Stone Mountain
Commemorative Half Dollar

Counterstamp

Varieties

PCGS Defined Counterstamped Types

PCGS is the only third party grading service to list the individual types, give them a numbering system, and to certify the counterstamped coins as a sub-variety.  Please see note at the bottom of the page on images and copyright.

 

The type used to construct these representations are accurate as to placement and size, but not always to font.  The SMCMA seems to have found a punch with a unique pattern for the letter A.  So on our examples a more common form of this letter without the squared off top is used.

Alabama

Alabama - ALA.

These are the counterstamps for general auction sale in the state of Alabama.  Within the series of counterstamps this one is not as rare as most, but still rare.  In March of 2018 PCGS had only certified 9 examples.  All of the examples we have seen have the position of the number and State initials in the lower right quadrant at about 4 o'clock and roughly aligned with the coin rim.

Alabama - ALA. S.L.

Adna Wilde documented two ALA. S.L. coins in his 1987 census but no images of these coins have surfaced.  These would have been used for contest second place winners in Alabama.

Alabama - ALA. G.L.

We know these were awarded because of Harvest Festival records, but no records of one nor images have ever surfaced.

Alabama - ALA. U.D.C.

Adna Wilde documented the existence of this variety in his 1987 census, but no image of one has surfaced.  We assume that the U.D.C. designated coins would have been sold as a specialty item to U.D.C. chapter members.

Arkansas

Arkansas - ARK.

These are the counterstamps for general auction sale in the state of Arkansas.  Within the series of counterstamps this one is the most common.  In March of 2018 PCGS had only certified 14 making it still very rare as coin varieties go.  All of the examples we have seen have the position of the number and State initials separated with the State initials above the word LIBERTY and the sequential number to the left of the eagle's right wing.

Arkansas - ARK. S.L.

Coins counterstamped with the initials S.L. were used as rewards for second place sales winners in the State of Arkansas.  The example on the right shows how they would have looked in the bezel that the coins were mounted in before presentation.  It is not clear why the arrangement of the number and S.L. designation were moved since they would have fit within the normal scheme unless it was to conform to what other States were doing.  We are not aware of any ARK. S.L. coins that have graded anything other than damaged in some form.

Arkansas - ARK. G.L.

There is no record of any ARK. G.L. coins from any source.  They would have been used for the contest winner in each designated region.  There were attendees at the Harvest Festival Ball so we assume they exist.

Florida

Florida - FLA.

These are the counterstamps for general auction sale in the state of Florida.  Within the series of counterstamps this one is one of the most rare.  In March of 2018 PCGS had only certified 2.  All of the examples we have seen have the position of the number and State initials separated with the State initials above the word LIBERTY and the sequential number to the left of the eagle's right wing.  This positioning matches the one used for Arkansas.

Florida - FLA. S.L.

In his 1987 census Adna Wilde documented two coins designated with the S.L. initials.  No images of those coins have surfaced.  However, we have located an image of a third coin.  The S.L. initials appear in the same location for both the S.L. and G.L. coins between DOLLAR and the tip of the eagle's left wing.  As of May 2018 none of these coins have been submitted to PCGS for grading unless they N graded and are not counted in the population report.

Florida - FLA G.L.

This is the Gold Lavaliere version of the Florida counterstamped coins with the letters G.L. added to designate that status for a sales champion of some region.  There is but one certified coin outside of the N grade examples, but we have no count of the N grade coins.  The arrangement of the State letters and number is the same as on the regular counterstamped coin, but with the letters G.L. added below the eagle's left wing and slanted to roughly align with the coin rim.

Georgia

Georgia - GA.

These are the counterstamps for general auction sale in the state of Georgia.  Within the series of counterstamps this one is about mid-range as far as rarity goes, but in March of 2018 PCGS had only certified 7.  All of the examples we have seen have the position of the number and State initials separated with the State initials to the left of the eagle's right wing and the sequential number above and to the right of the word LIBERTY.

Georgia - GA S.L.

Used to designate runner up sales leaders for each region, the S.L. designated coins should be plentiful.  With Georgia as the host State for all activities one would think that many have surfaced.  However, to date we can find only two designated examples in any records and images for only one of those.  The placement of the initials did not cause a rearrangement of the other initials on the coin and were merely placed under the serial number location.

Georgia - GA G.L.

In spite of the activity in Georgia in support of the Harvest Campaign no examples of the GA. G.L. coins have been located.  We assume they would have looked exactly like the S.L. coin above, but with the different lettering.

Kentucky

Kentucky - KY.

These are the counterstamps for general auction sale in the state of Kentucky.  Within the series of counterstamps this one is extremely rare.  In March of 2018 PCGS had only certified 2.  We have examples of coins lettered and numbered in two different styles.  The more common is with the numbers and letters to the left of the eagle's right wing.  But we have also seen a coin with the letters and numbers below the eagle at about four o'clock.

Kentucky - KY. S.L.

The original Adna Wilde census showed no examples of this variety and we have not been able to locate any records of existing coins.

Kentucky - KY. G.L.

The original Adna Wilde census showed no examples of this variety and we have not been able to locate any records of existing coins.

Louisiana

Louisiana - LA.

These are the counterstamps for general auction sale in the state of Louisiana.  We have seen several examples, but none graded by PCGS.  On this series the sequential number and State abbreviation are located at roughly 4 o'clock and set parallel to the rim of the coin.  This same arrangement was used for Alabama and South Carolina.  Perhaps all these coins were stamped by the same person or this was an early concept that was later changed.

Louisiana - LA S.L.

The Adna Wilde census lists two of these coins.  One was donated to the AMA Museum and they provided an image for us to work from for this illustration.

Louisiana - LA G.L.

We have only seen one example of this coin and it apparently N graded because of the lavaliere attachment point showing clearly on the obverse.  But the creation of the lavaliere versions of the coin created a whole different issue because there wasn't room to place the lettering between the designation and the rim.  So the sequential number and State abbreviation had to be moved to a location that would also accommodate the G.L.

Missouri

Missouri - MO

It has been reported to us that prior to Adna Wilde 's death he inspected and ANACS certified one coin.  This coin is now in a private collection and we are not aware of the serial number nor the placement of the lettering and numerals.  The lettering and placement are somewhat guarded to avoid forgeries.

Mississippi

Mississippi - MISS

These are the counterstamps for general auction sale in the state of Mississippi.  For some reason the counterstamps for Mississippi are missing the period at the end of the State initials.  Within the series of counterstamps this one is about in the middle with 5 certified coins.  All of the examples we have seen have the position of the number and State initials separated with the State initials above the word LIBERTY but offset to the left, and the sequential number to the left of the eagle's right wing.  This alignment is similar to the Kentucky counterstamps, but with the State letters closer to the word LIBERTY.

Mississippi - MISS S.L.

We assume the lettering on these coins would be placed as they are on the G.L. variety.  The Adna Wilde census documented only one example and so far there are no known images.

Mississippi - MISS G.L.

The existing placement of the letters on the numbered coins was retained and the G.L. coins received that additional lettering under the eagle's left wing.  These were obviously used for the winners of a region.  PCGS has certified at least one of these coins, but none above an N grade.  In 2019 we found an image of a second variety with the G.L. rotated counterclockwise under the left wing.

North Carolina

North Carolina - N.CAR.

These are the counterstamps for general auction sale in the state of North Carolina.  Within the series of counterstamps this one is less rare with 12 certified coins.  The North Carolina have an unusual feature in the lettering.  All four letters are capitals, but the "AR." are in a smaller typeset than the "N.C."  The type isn't much smaller, but it is different.  This is a unique feature of this one counterstamp.

North Carolina - N.C. S.L.

It is presumed that these coins exist because there were attendees at the Harvest Festival Ball from North Carolina.  But there are no documented coins or images.

North Carolina - N.C. G.L.

It is presumed that these coins exist because there were attendees at the Harvest Festival Ball from North Carolina.  But there are no documented coins or images.

North Carolina - N.C. U.D.C.

Coins marked with the U.D.C. designation were associated with specific State Chapters of the U.D.C.  These are different than the other numbered coins in several ways.  The State initials were shortened from "N.CAR." to "N.C."  The number had to be lowered slightly to make room for the U.D.C. initials.  Four of these coins have been documented and we are aware of two coins receiving an N grade by PCGS.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma - OKLA

These are the counterstamps for general auction sale in the state of Oklahoma, which is unusual since Oklahoma was not one of the seceding states but Indian Territory.  But southern sympathies must have been strong because there are many examples of OKLA counterstamps.  As of March 2018, PCGS had certified 11 coins which for this series is relatively high.  The layout of the counterstamp is very much like Mississippi where the State abbreviation is punched just above LIBERTY, but toward the left.  The number is to the left of the eagle's right wing.

Oklahoma - OKLA S.L.

For the Silver Lavaliere coins the arrangement of the State initials and serial number had to change from the other numbered coins.  But other arrangements are known where the S.L. or G.L. are added at roughly 4 o'clock without changing the arrangement of the other features.  For some reason they chose to move them all around.

Oklahoma - OKLA G.L.

We can see what happened when the need to overstamp coins with the G.L. or S.L. designation for the harvest Campaign and the existing scheme would not accommodate the letters.  On this variety they chose to relocate the State abbreviation and the serial number, and then added the G.L. under the serial number.  This is a different arrangement than we have seen on other State G.L. coins.

South Carolina

South Carolina - S.C.

These are the counterstamps for general auction sale in the state of South Carolina and the layout follows the same one as Alabama.  Although it is unusual, we have other States that positioned the initials and sequential number grouped and set at an angle below the eagle.  What is unique as of this writing is that every variety of the South Carolina variety seems to have a different positioning.

South Carolina - S.C. S.L.

These coins were for the runner up in each region and with South Carolina's prominence in the events one would expect to see several of them, and three have been located.  Although difficult to see in this image, the initials and number are in separate areas.  The serial number is to the right of the eagle's right wing, the State initials are above the word LIBERTY, and the "S.L." is angled and below the eagle's left wing.  Three of these coins have been located.

South Carolina - S.C. G.L.

The Gold Lavaliere coins have the same positioning for the number and State initials, but the "G.L." designation is intended to be horizontal and not angled.  These were obviously used for the regional State winners.  On this example the lettering is sloppy and poorly positioned.  Five of these coins have been seen.

Tennessee

Tennessee - TENN.

These are the counterstamps for general auction sale in the state of Tennessee.  Within the series of counterstamps this one is a little less rare with 9 certified coins.  All of the examples we have seen have the position of the number and State initials separated with the State initials above the word LIBERTY but offset to the left, and the sequential number to the left of the eagle's right wing.  This alignment is similar to the Kentucky and Mississippi counterstamps, but with the State letters offset slightly to the left as on the Kentucky coins.

Tennessee - TENN S.L.

Designated for the runner up in the Harvest Campaign for a region, the S.L. coins for Tennessee have a different configuration than the general auction coins.  The state initials were moved up and to the left of the eagle's right wing.  The serial number was moved down and to the right in a position beneath the eagle's left claw.  The "S.L." initials were added beneath the serial number.  Only one example of this variety has been documented.

Tennessee - TENN G.L.

These coins were used to recognize Harvest Campaign winners for each region.  The placement of the markings matches that of the S.L. coins.  Only one example of this variety has been documented.

Tennessee - TENN U.D.C.

These coins were made for each U.D.C. chapter that requested them.  The markings are similar to the ones used for the S.L. and G.L. coins except that the chapter number is below the initials and not above.  So far we have not been able to locate documentation that would explain how many of these were produced.

Texas

Texas - TEX.

These would be the Texas coins intended for auction sales as a part of the Harvest Campaign.  They would be counterstamped and numbered.  PCGS has not certified any of these to date unless they N graded and do not show up in the population report.

Texas - TEX./VA.

Of the overstruck Texas varieties the seems to be the rarest, probably because without the full TEXAS covering the VA is more difficult.  As of March 2018 PCGS has graded only one such coin, but we have seen evidence that more exist.  The TEX./VA. is positioned just above, but left of center over the word LIBERTY.  The serial number is to the right of the eagle's wing.

Texas - TEXAS/VA

This is the most common of the Texas overstrikes, but still rare with only three certified coins in March of 2018.  The X is used the cancel the V, and the A is left alone.  The counterstrike is above the word LIBERTY and the sequential number to the right of the eagles wing.

Texas - TEXAS/FLA

The TEXAS/FLA seems to be more common than either the TEX/VA or the TEXAS/VA, but still not common with only four certified copies.  Whoever did the overstrike work was sloppy and there are several copies with misaligned letters.  We have seen copies where there are overstrike numbers and added numbers, so the demand in Texas must have been much higher than anticipated.

Texas - TEX S.L.

There are three examples of this variety in our census.  These were the runner up medals for each region.  The lettering has been rearranged to accommodate the addition of the serial number.

Texas - TEX G.L.

To our knowledge only one example of this variety has been documented, and the images surfaced in 2018.  The coin was heavily damaged apparently in removing it from the bezel.  This is the medal for the winner of each region participating in the Harvest Campaign.

Virginia

Virginia - VA.

Among certified counterstamped coins the VA. variety is second most common with twelve certified coins.  It is tied with North Carolina, but less common than slightly Arkansas.  The format for the counterstamp always seems to have the initials VA. centered over the word LIBERTY and the sequential number to the left of the eagle's right wing.

Virginia - VA. S.L.

It seems unusual that no documented coins or images have emerged for this variety because of the close connection with the U.D.C and the state of Virginia.  These were the medals for the regional runner up winners.

Virginia - VA. G.L.

It seems unusual that no documented coins or images have emerged for this variety because of the close connection with the U.D.C and the state of Virginia.  These were the medals for the regional winners.

Virginia - VA. U.D.C.

There are four documented examples of this variety in our records and they have chapter numbers 154, 174, and 1482.  These were the special coins made as a part of the fundraising effort for sale to chapters.  Not enough of these have been located to understand if there were multiple coins with the same numbers for sale to chapter members.  The placement of the letters and numbers closely mimics other U.D.C. labeled coins.

Washington

Washington, D.C. - D.C.

Only one coin has been located with the D.C. designation and it is serial number 1.  This was included in the original Adna Wilde census in 1987.  We have no idea how many were sold but it is possible that this is the only one.

Washington, D.C. - D.C. G.L.

Only one coin has been located with the D.C. - G.L. designation and it is serial number 2.  This was included in the original Adna Wilde census in 1987.  We have no idea how many were awarded but it is possible that this is the only one or only one of two.

Other

Undocumented Varieties

A small number of coins have surfaced that have been certified as genuine but are not understood with regard to the Harvest Campaign.  Most have a single letter designation of A, K, N, or T.  One coin has been located with the initials WC, and a single coin with the number 42 and no initial.  Perhaps the documentation on these will surface at some date in the future.

 

 

Copyright Issues

These coins are so rare that it is unlikely that anyone could obtain an example of each coin image from their personal collection. Ownership of the coins is often masked behind auction records, so obtaining permission to use a specific coin image is impractical if not impossible..

 

To avoid copyright issues and to give legible images we have worked from known images and created "representative" examples that are as exact as possible using our own coins as background images. In many cases the original images can be located through an Internet search.  When we have not seen a verified coin to give the correct placement of the counterstamp we left those for later additions.

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