The "E" counterstamp (an "L" also appears on some quarters of the same date; both letters also appear on certain 1815 quarters) above Liberty's portrait has never been satisfactorily explained, although many theories abound. One theory suggests that "L" is for light, and "E" is for excessive weight, but comparison of known examples shows the weights to be within accepted Mint tolerances. Breen theorized that the "E' was for a reward in English studies, and "L" for a reward in Latin studies; this accounts for the high grades of surviving specimens, as prizes were probably less likely to be spent. All of the examples are from the same L or E punch, and all are located in the same place on the host coins. Perhaps we will never know the origin of these curious pieces.