Expert: Joe Hylas - 12/30/2008

Question
Hi Joe,

I have a question about a nickel I recently have ran across. I'm not sure what year, however; it is pre 1964, i have 1946 stuck in my head for some odd reason. I know I'm not supplying you with all the information you need and I'm sorry. On the back of the coin, running at about 40 deg. through the memorial, directly in the center is a strip of text about 1/8" high x 1/2" long. At the end of this strip I can clearly see the letters "OF". I've tried making out the text, however; it seems that i see "OFFOFOFFOF". What do you think it could be? I often wonder if it could be from a totaly different coin. Any feedback would be appreciated!

Kyle
(Boise Idaho)

Answer
It sounds to me like someone "counter-stamped" the coin.  This may have been done for some promotional purpose of to commemorate an event.

I am assuming the letters are NOT raised like the normal letters, that would indicate the counter-stamp.

This is really all I can tell you without inspecting the coin.

Regards
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US