Hello I have been researching my grandfathers coins finally and have found some good ones. there are many world coins as well. I found one however that is challenging to find out the why and what and am hoping for some assistance. It is a 18?6 (I think 1876 but one of the holes is over that number) Zwei Mark. There are two holes (which I understand is not that odd for that time period and the way people carried coins) but in addition there is the letters D.P and numbers 4097881 etched into face side of coin. Why would that be there and what does it mean? Any ideas? I understand the holes and etching make my coin unsaleable as well, is that the case? Thank you for your help!
It's called Counterpunched or Counterstamped letters and numbers. The holes make me think that your coin was part of a Bracelet. It was linked together with other coins.
The holes are reminiscent of holes found on old military dog tags. It is likely this was worn more as a pendant of some sort. The numbers seem like some sort of identification. It is also very possible that it was part of a bracelet like paddyman 98 indicated.
I don't have a clue what the answer is but that coin looks like it had a fair amount of circulation. I find myself wondering if it perhaps was used as some sort of dog tag after it became relatively worthless after the Great War. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing for prisoners of war? Just idle speculation but I can think of nothing better. If it came from your grandfather perhaps something in his past may point that way? If I am anywhere near the truth it could be worth something.
