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A hallmark sign of secondary syphilis is indeed the presence of penny-sized skin rashes, which typically appear as reddish-brown spots and may occur on various parts of the body, including the trunk and extremities. These rashes are part of the systemic manifestations of secondary syphilis, as the Treponema pallidum bacteria proliferate and spread through the body.

This stage may also feature mucous membrane lesions known as mucous membrane lesions of the oral cavity, commonly referred to as mucous membrane syphilids, which can contribute to the overall picture of disseminated infection. The distinctive nature of the rashes is an important indicator for diagnosis during this stage.

While chancre formation is associated with primary syphilis, gummas are more indicative of tertiary syphilis, and Hutchinson's incisors are a consequence of congenital syphilis. Therefore, identifying the characteristic rashes during secondary syphilis is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, making it the correct hallmark sign in this context.