My Journey with a Holed US 19th Century Type Set as of 2025 (Plus June Update)

Putting together a set of holed 19th-century U.S. coins has been quite the adventure – full of surprises, the occasional bargain, and yes, a couple times I paid more than I should’ve. As of my June 2025 update, I’m getting close to finishing, but you know how collecting goes: there’s always another piece to track down. Let me walk you through what I’ve discovered about this niche, especially if you’re drawn to affordable coins with real historical character.

Why I Collect Holed Coins

Most collectors pass right by holed pieces, but I’ve grown fond of them. They’re typically easier on the wallet than perfect specimens, and every hole hints at a story – maybe it was worn as jewelry, carried as a good-luck charm, or used during hard times when people strung coins together. Honestly, I like giving these “wounded” coins a good home instead of seeing them tossed aside. One rule I live by: make sure that hole is genuinely old and original. Drilling holes in coins? That’s a deal-breaker for me. It destroys the coin’s authenticity, tanks its value, and just feels dishonest. I wouldn’t dream of it.

My Current Collection and Display

Right now, most of my holed 19th-century types are pinned to a cork board. It’s a simple, inexpensive way to show them off, and beats staples any day – pins are gentler and let me rearrange things easily. The lineup includes finds like an 1860-O Seated quarter I scored cheap and a 20-cent piece that cost me a bit too much (lesson learned: prices for holed rarities can swing wildly!). Photos still don’t quite capture their charm, but I’m working on that.

Challenges in Completing the Set

I’m still missing a few key pieces: a Braided Hair half cent, a Barber half, a Seated dollar with motto, and a Trade dollar. Here’s what I’ve run into:

• What I’m seeing in the market: Holed Trade dollars show up fairly often, but they usually come with chopmarks from their Asian market days – a cool bonus in my book. Seated dollars with mottos? Those are trickier to find holed, so patience is essential.
• Grading even with holes: Don’t ignore the rest of the coin! I’ve seen holed Barber halves in AU condition with original surfaces. Focus on sharp details and how much wear shows around the hole – it really affects value.
• My hunting strategy: I set up alerts on auction sites and chat with dealers who specialize in damaged coins. Expect to pay up for rarities, but always try to negotiate – I wish I’d done that before buying my 20-cent piece!

Historical Connections and Personal Reflections

For me, collecting these coins isn’t just about the metal – it’s about touching history. I remember meeting a man when I was young who claimed to be 114, born right around Emancipation. Holding coins that circulated when people like my great-grandfather (born in 1879) were alive? That connection makes every find feel special, like holding a tiny piece of everyday life from another time.

Practical Advice for Fellow Collectors

If you’re thinking about starting a holed coin collection, here’s what’s worked for me:

• Start with the basics: Look for common holed coins like Seated Liberty dimes or Indian Head cents. They’re affordable and build momentum.
• Look for the real deal: Aim for coins that show their age naturally – a nice patina around the hole, for instance. That helps avoid newer tampering.
• Show them off safely: Cork boards or shadow boxes with pins work great. They’re easy to work with and don’t hurt the coins.
• Watch your spending: While holed coins can be bargains, it’s easy to get carried away. Set a budget and check recent sales so you know what’s fair.

This whole journey has shown me that holed coins aren’t damaged goods – they’re little windows into the past. I’ll be sure to update you when I track down those last few coins. Fingers crossed!