countermark

[ noun koun-ter-mahrk; verb koun-ter-mahrk ]

noun

1. Also called counterstamp. a sign or device stamped on a coin after its minting.

verb (used with object)

1. to stamp (a coin) with a countermark; counterstamp.

Word History and Origins

Origin of countermark¹

1495–1505; (noun) < Middle French contremarque, equivalent to contre counter- + marque mark ¹; (v.) < Middle French contremarquer, derivative of contremarque

Example Sentences

A further clue was the presence of three watermarks - a rampant lion and the initials G.B with a crossbow countermark - which are also found on the paper Elizabeth I used in her personal correspondence.

From BBC

In one of them will be the whole earth, marked distinctly, and this will be let down by a windlass that will not be seen, down to the floor, and will rest on a balanced pedestal, so that, when fixed, there will be seen reflected all the tables that are right round in the pictures of the presses, and they will have a countermark in the globe wherewith to find them with ease.

From Project Gutenberg

He danced at Constant’s at Montparnasse; bought for two sous to sell for four at the door of Bobino, the jack of hearts or the ace of clubs serving as a countermark; sometimes opened the door of a carriage; led horses 98to the horse-market.

From Project Gutenberg