"The criteria for a good numismatic term is that it has a specific meaning and cannot be confused with anything else. "Annular" fits this criteria and its use can be encouraged in numismatic literature. It should not, however, be confused with "annulet," which means "a raised circular line or ring" in numismatics.

In medallic art annulet can be found in several uses. In fabricating certain medallic items--badges are a good example--a stock badge can be customized by applying a newly created center emblem. The stock item contains an annulet -- raised round circular line in the die and the struck piece--where the circular emblem is to be affixed.

The same term holds true for the feet applied to the back of a medallic paperweight. Annulets will be placed in the reverse die (usually at the four corners), and the separate feet -- usually half balls -- are applied within these small raised circles. The annulets serve as an attractive frame for the applied item.

A special kind of annulet, called a "limiting guide" is engraved in the die where a hole is to be drilled in the struck piece. The U.S. Mint did this for some early Indian Peace Medals. Examples: James Madison (Julian IP-5) and John Tyler (IP-21). The tiny raised circles, at the 12 o'clock position inside the rim, served as the focus for the drill bit. The existence of a limiting guide meant the struck piece was intended to be holed.

For coins, there are annulet mintmarks (small circular rings). Example: England's annulet coinage of Henry VI."