What are these strange blotches on hammered coins

[ConstantlyHammered]

These circular blobs appear on many hammered coins. What are they? Do they indicate forgery or something?

Edited February 12, 2018 by ConstantlyHammered

[mick1271]

They are not an indicator of forgeries. They are called annulets .common on lots of hammered coins .I am sure they are there for a reason ,and I am sure one of the hammered experts will tell us both why lol.

 

Edited February 12, 2018 by mick1271

[Ukstu]

They are called privy marks. 

Wikipedia on privy marks

"Originally a small mark or differentiation in the design of a coin for the purpose of identifying the mint, moneyer, or some other aspect of the coins production or origin, for control purposes."

Some more information here about privy marks on Henry VI coins.

http://www.vosper4coins.co.uk/ivanbuck/Buck-3.htm

Edited February 12, 2018 by Ukstu

[Descartes]

Most certainly for differentiation and for identifying the origin of a coin. One of the coins really high up on my 'wants' list is an Edward I penny class 1d with annulet on breast. Quite a rare coin and once believed to signify that the coins were minted for the Abbot of Reading. I have a decent Henry VI penny with annulets either side of the bust, which I quite like too. It's definitely an interesting little privy mark!  

[davetmoneyer]

Hi not rare but pricey there are (IIRC) over 100 coins from about 30 different dies. R

The class 10 ab with annulet is much rarer

Edited February 17, 2018 by davetmoneyer
addendum

[Coinery]

3 hours ago, davetmoneyer said:

Hi not rare but pricey there are (IIRC) over 100 coins from about 30 different dies. R

The class 10 ab with annulet is much rarer

Hi Dave,

have you published these stats anywhere, or are they only from your personal record?