What were these used for, obviously I know it is a coin but what purpose did they serve, its not like a pin where you can wear it. Looks like someone drilled a hole in it so it could be used for something different than originally designed.

back side

while I am on the subject does this pin look original or replica

It was a form of ID to verify union membership, like for medical benefits and is very collectible.

Prior Topic with More Information.

This aluminum token is more of generic membership medallion that could be personally engraved with the members name and Lodge number. The second pin back is a more modern Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers membership pin that the International Division gave out at international and regional conventions. They can also be ordered by Division's and Members through the Brotherhood's magazine, they came out in the 1980s from what I can remember.