Michigan--Blendon and Ohio--Fostoria. P.E. BALLOU / PHRENOLOGIST on an 1859 Indian cent. Brunk B-236, Rulau Mi-Bn 3. Host coin Very Fine.The counterstamp is firmly and evenly impressed around the reverse periphery of this light golden-tan example. Perry Eugene Ballou was a traveling lecturer on phrenology (the study of the skull to predict metal traits). This is an unlisted specimen, although the mark is known to both Brunk and Rulau on copper-nickel Indian cents of other dates. Counterstamps on one-year design types in U.S. coinage history always see spirited bidding.
