A mark or token added to those already existing, in order to afford security or proof; as, an additional or special mark put upon a package of goods belonging to several persons, that it may not be opened except in the presence of all; a mark added to that of an artificer of gold or silver work by the Goldsmiths' Company of London, to attest the standard quality of the gold or silver; a mark added to an ancient coin or medal, to show either its change of value or that it was taken from an enemy.
An artificial cavity made in the teeth of horses that have outgrown their natural mark, to disguise their age.
To apply a countermark to; as, to countermark silverware; to countermark a horse's teeth.
Symbols, design(s) or lettering punched on a coin to change its value, usage or purpose. Also known as a counterstamp. See also surcharge.
A mark stamped on an existing coin usually to indicate a new value. The best British example is the Spanish American coins that were stamped with the image of George III (1760 - 1820) and made legal tender in Great Britain as a dollar (4s 9d) in the late 1700's.
A stamp impressed on a coin and effacing part of the design
A mark applied to an older coin to modify its value or validity. A countermark will usually cover only a portion of the original coin, which can therefore clearly still be identified.
Punch mark applied to a coin some time after its original issue, either to alter its nominal value, or to authorise its circulation in some other country.