Counterstamps

H. WETTSTEIN two times on an 1833 Capped Bust dime, JR-5. Brunk W-438, Rulau-MV 389E. Host coin Very Fine.

Hermann Wettstein was a Harvard, Illinois dealer of jewelry, watches, and clocks, but he was also an inventor holding many patents, and a philosopher who traveled the country making speeches and handing out his counterstamped coins. Wettstein was born in Prussia in 1840. He arrived in this country in the summer of 1848 with his large family consisting of mother, father, and 9 or 10 children. They settled in Milwaukee, but he and his brother Otto removed to Illinois sometime in their early to mid-20s. Both were jewelers, but in different cities. Hermann practiced in Harvard and Otto in Rochelle. Hermann was granted several patents during his lifetime, one being for a portable fire escape in February, 1885. A very interesting individual!

From the Steve M. Tompkins Collection. Purchased from Larry Briggs.

Estimate: $ 175