Mysterious number 12

[basecamp]

On a recent close up examination of my penny collection I found this strange indentation on a 1911 George V coin, the mark is on the obverse and is clearly visible extending out from the kings nose.

This could have been made when the coin was minted, but I here you all say unlikely! However directly opposite on the other side of the coin is a small number 12! (next to the 1st N in PENNY). It looks like a 12 punch could have made the mark. Does anyone have any suggestions for how the the said marks came about - when minted perhaps?

[Hussulo]

I in my opinion it wasn't made during minting. It is definitely not an error. Some coins do have die numbers on them but they aren't punched onto the coins themselves. The numbers or in some instances letters i.e. A, B, C below lighthouses are on the dies. When these dies are used to produce the coins the die numbers or letters are always raised (like the lettering) and are not incuse. I am also positive mint wouldn't punch a number at that angle over a N. If it was going to punch a number it would choose a better location. I am positive it is post mint but why? Who knows?

[basecamp]

The 12 is diametrically (if thats the correct word!) opposite the mark on the obverse, perhaps the coin was struck by something whilst resting on another object which had a 'raised' 12 - hence the incused 12. I had to ask the question because I have seen similar punch marks on other coins - wishful thinking (it is after all not the best conditioned coin in the world).

cheers