1917 Canadian 50¢ Coin with ‘86’ Stamped in Punched Circles – Help Identifying

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased a 1917 Canadian 50-cent coin that has two circular punch marks on the obverse (King George V side). Inside each punched circle is a stamped number “86” or “98” depending which way you look at the stamp.

I’m just wondering if anyone has seen similar coins with punched numbers? Could this have been used as a tool check, locker tag, or worker ID token?

I’m attaching photos of both sides of the coin for reference. I’d love to hear any thoughts, especially if someone recognizes this numbering style or has come across something similar.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hello — I've seen quite a few countermarks of this sort on coins of that period —the First World War— down to the 1940s, i.e. the Second World War. I wouldn't be surprised if such numbers corresponded to a military unit, perhaps meant to ID equipment. This is just a hypothesis.

Here is a different style with a crown, letters and number, but even this one I've not been able to identify as yet.

Thanks for the info! I’ll check out that thread with other examples! never considered it would be a military mark that’s super cool! Cheers