Security design on the edge of pre-33 american indian heads

[n1k0s]

Hello to everyone

I've noticed that the pre-33 american indian heads have 3 vertical lines separating the 46 stars of the edge (48 stars after 1912). 

There are three vertical lines in total across the edge splitting the circle in three parts. 

The interesting thing was the location of the vertical lines; it is not the same for all years. 

In the picture below I compare a 1910 vs a 1926 coin. 

On the 1910, the vertical line (one of the three) is located roughly between the two Ls of the word "DOLLAR" (bottom coin in picture below) while on the 1926 it is located at the start of the letter O of "DOLLAR" (top coin in picture below). 

As a curiosity I've tried to google this up but I wasn't able to track any sources yet.   

Is this some (early) security feature for counterfeits? 

Below are three photos: reverse, obverse, and the two coins stack on top of each other. On the third photo I've circled the lines on the edge.

Regards to all

 

Edited June 28, 2023 by n1k0s

[dicker]

Hi @n1k0s

I have noticed this as well but thought it was just part of the collar assembly in the press.  Your comment made me think again.

There is another forum that specialises in US coins - I will ask on there and revert.  
 

Best

Dicker

[Britannia47]

1 hour ago, n1k0s said:

Hello to everyone

I've noticed that the pre-33 american indian heads have 3 vertical lines separating the 45 stars of the edge (46 stars after 1910). 

There are three vertical lines in total across the edge splitting the circle in three parts. 

The interesting thing was the location of the vertical lines; it is not the same for all years. 

In the picture below I compare a 1910 vs a 1926 coin. 

On the 1910, the vertical line (one of the three) is located roughly between the two Ls of the word "DOLLAR" (bottom coin in picture below) while on the 1926 it is located at the start of the letter O of "DOLLAR" (top coin in picture below). 

As a curiosity I've tried to google this up but I wasn't able to track any sources yet.   

Is this some (early) security feature for counterfeits? 

Below are three photos: reverse, obverse, and the two coins stack on top of each other. On the third photo I've circled the lines on the edge.

Regards to all

 

From my reference book ‘Indian Gold Coins of the 20th Century’ by Mike Fuljenz I quote the following:-

Edge Reeding: Raised ribs on the edge of the Indian $10 coin serve as an anti-counterfeiting and anti-shaving device

Edge Stars: The edge had 46 stars, but in 1912 the number of stars was increased to 48!

This may explain the difference you found with the spacing between the stars. Try counting the stars of both coins to confirm….  Cheers.

[dicker]

1 minute ago, Britannia47 said:

From my reference book ‘Indian Gold Coins of the 20th Century’ by Mike Fuljenz I quote the following:-

Edge Reeding: Raised ribs on the edge of the Indian $10 coin serve as an anti-counterfeiting and anti-shaving device

Edge Stars: The edge had 46 stars, but in 1912 the number of stars was increased to 48!

This may explain the difference you found with the spacing between the stars. Try counting the stars of both coins to confirm….  Cheers.

A book I will now buy - thanks very much for this!

Best

Dicker

[n1k0s]

Hi @dicker

Great information and thanks for sharing!

I have counted the stars and i have found that the 1910 coin has 15+15+16=46 stars on the edge while the 1926 has 16+16+16=48 stars. 

So it seems it follows the number of US states which in 1912 went from 46 to 48 (snip below from statista.com). Apparently, New Mexico and Arizona were admitted in that year. 

This story with the vertical line reminds me of the modern bullion golden eagle which in 2012 introduced a "missing reed" as security feature. So, it seems the idea of using the edge as security provider is traced back to the Indian coins. 

Very fascinating story and I am looking forward to see if there is a pattern of how the vertical lines move over the years (but I will have to wait for my stack to grow for that).  

best

[dicker]

I posted here before about the Omega forger who counterfeiters stunningly good Pre 33 coins.  If you like this type of coins it’s worth googling.  
 

Best

Dicker

[Britannia47]

Mike Fuljenz is something of an authority on early gold Indian and Eagles, and is based in Beaumont Texas as head of Universal Coin & Bullion. Whilst there I was able to obtain these 2 signed copies….!
Great reference books.

[daca]

1 hour ago, n1k0s said:

Hi @dicker

Great information and thanks for sharing!

I have counted the stars and i have found that the 1910 coin has 15+15+16=46 stars on the edge while the 1926 has 16+16+16=48 stars. 

So it seems it follows the number of US states which in 1912 went from 46 to 48 (snip below from statista.com). Apparently, New Mexico and Arizona were admitted in that year. 

This story with the vertical line reminds me of the modern bullion golden eagle which in 2012 introduced a "missing reed" as security feature. So, it seems the idea of using the edge as security provider is traced back to the Indian coins. 

Very fascinating story and I am looking forward to see if there is a pattern of how the vertical lines move over the years (but I will have to wait for my stack to grow for that).  

best

the missing reed started in 2021 (99,99 % sure)

[n1k0s]

Hi @daca: yes, my fingers typed the "1" and "2" of 2021 a bit too fast   you are correct of course. I swapped the digits by mistake. 

[SidS]

I love these Indian head coins!