MORE ON THE CURIOUS COIN OF 1652

Last week we reprinted a May, 1865 article from The Historical Magazine titled "Curious Coin of 1652". Ken Bressett, editor of the "Redbook" (A Guide Book of United States Coins) responded:

"I hesitate to respond to the inquiry about the curious 1652 coin because I assume that everyone knows what it is --- or perhaps everyone except Mr. Paine. The piece most likely was pulled from auction because it is so common.

Just in case anyone failed to recognize the 'curious coin', it is a copper '8 Maravedis' of Spain. It has been countermarked to revalidate and extend its life in circulation. Hundreds of such coins were so marked with dates from 1636 to 1665. Many have multiple stamps. They are popularly known as the tattooed coins of Spain. Most are valued at under $5 today."

Wayne Homren, Editor

Content presented in The E-Sylum is not necessarily researched or independently fact-checked, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society.

The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. For more information please see our web site at http://www.coinbooks.org/ There is a membership application available on the web site. To join, print the application and return it with your check to the address printed on the application. Visit the Membership page. Those wishing to become new E-Sylum subscribers (or wishing to Unsubscribe) can go to the following web page link.

To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: E-Sylum Editor

The E-Sylum: Volume 02, Number 13, March 29, 1999, Article 3

MORE ON THE CURIOUS COIN OF 1652

Wayne Homren, Editor