Undated Lafayette countermark on an 1834 large cent. EF-40.Glossy and choice olive brown surfaces with faint woodgrain striations and no imperfections worthy of mention. The small portrait countermark of a mature Lafayette is neatly placed at the center of Libertys face on the host, and is sharply impressed. We have seen this mark only one other time that we recall, that being applied to an 1836 large cent in our Ford sale, in exactly the same manner and position. This is a superior piece and has the curious addition of superb fine reeding around the entire edge. This feature was not mentioned in our Ford description and may be unique to this example. As both of these countermarked pieces are on hosts dated 1834 and after, these marks might have been applied in commemoration of the death of Lafayette in 1834.From the Q. David Bowers Collection. Purchased from NASCAs Allan Lee Scott sale, April 1980, lot 1150.
