A countermarked, punchmarked or counterstamped coin is a coin that has had some additional mark or symbol punched into it at some point during its career as a circulating coin. This practice is now obsolete.
Countermarking can be done for a variety of reasons. If the currency is reformed, existing coins may be rendered void. In this situation, coins already in circulation could be marked with the new value (according to the new currency system). The life span of existing coins could thus be extended, which might under some circumstances be a cheaper alternative to recalling the coins, melting them and striking replacements. Similarly, foreign coins could be marked as legal or accepted currency, thus allowing them to circulate in the area where they were countermarked. Countermarking can also be done for political reasons, i.e. a new state or régime demonstrating its authority by countermarking coins issued by the previous state.
Countermarking can be done for a variety of reasons. If the currency is reformed, existing coins may be rendered void. In this situation, coins already in circulation could be marked with the new value (according to the new currency system). The life span of existing coins could thus be extended, which might under some circumstances be a cheaper alternative to recalling the coins, melting them and striking replacements. Similarly, foreign coins could be marked as legal or accepted currency, thus allowing them to circulate in the area where they were countermarked. Countermarking can also be done for political reasons, i.e. a new state or régime demonstrating its authority by countermarking coins issued by the previous state.
Click to Enlarge 1880 Colombian cinco decimos coin with a Costa Rican counterstamp on both sides. This stamp was placed on the coin to essentially make it legal tender in Costa Rica for trade.
If you look at the second "8" in the 1880 date, it is an overstamp - Where a previous years die was remarked (date changed) for reuse.
If you look at the second "8" in the 1880 date, it is an overstamp - Where a previous years die was remarked (date changed) for reuse.
| The reverse is counterstamped with a lion mark surrounded by "habilitada por el gobierno". Other examples of Costa Rican counterstamped Colombian coins have the placement of the stamps in the exact same locations. |  Click to Enlarge |
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