My Journey with a Holed US 19th Century Type Set: January 2025 and June Update

As a lifelong coin collector, I’ve always loved the stories behind damaged pieces, and right now I’m hooked on building a holed US 19th-century type set. Forget pristine slabs – every coin in this collection has a hole punched through it, adding layers of history and character that fascinate me. I kicked this off early in 2025, and with a fresh June update, I’ve made some real headway. Let me share how it’s going, what I’ve learned, and some tips for fellow collectors who appreciate the charm of coins that have lived a life.

Why Collect Holed Coins?

For me, holed coins are a direct connection to the past. Each hole whispers a story – maybe it was worn as jewelry, carried as a charm, or even sewn into clothing for safekeeping. Let me be clear: I’d never drill a hole myself; that destroys value and just feels wrong. Every coin in my set has an authentic hole at least a century old. They’re genuine artifacts. This niche is also surprisingly affordable compared to perfect specimens, though it takes patience to find pieces with character that aren’t completely wrecked. Honestly, it feels a bit like giving these “wounded” coins a respectful second home.

Showing Off My Finds

One of the best parts has been figuring out how to display them. I settled on mounting them on a cork board using simple stick pins. It’s clean, easy to change up, and completely reversible – way better than staples that could gouge the metal. Seeing them all together creates this visual timeline that always sparks conversation and lets the details shine. Are my photos gallery-worthy? Nah, not yet (I haven’t shot them all individually, and honestly, might never get around to it!). But the display itself? It’s part of the evolving fun.

Where the Set Stands: Found & Missing

As of June, I’ve snagged a few key pieces through patient hunting. I snagged an 1860-O Seated Dollar and even a holed 20-cent piece – though I’ll admit I probably paid a bit too much for the 20-center, they’re just so scarce! Here’s the current state of play:

• In the Fold: A mix including seated quarters, dimes, and others, all sporting their historic holes. That quarter was a real bargain!
• The Wishlist: Four big gaps remain: a Braided Hair half cent, a Barber half, a Seated dollar with motto, and a Trade dollar. Finding these holed is tough, especially the Trade dollar, which often comes chopmarked from Asian circulation too.

It’s slow going, but that just makes each new find sweeter – a real victory lap moment.

Market Musings & Hunting Hints

From my time collecting, holed coins can sometimes be real hidden gems. Barber halves in nice, original AU condition *with* holes do turn up now and then and can be stunning deals. My hunting grounds? Coin shows, online auctions, and chatting with dealers. Prices swing wildly; common holed types might go for a song compared to mint-state, but rarities like that 20-cent piece or a Trade dollar? They’ll cost you. My advice? Set a budget, check recent sales, and don’t be afraid to haggle a little. Overpaying happens (ask me about that 20-center!), but you learn. When grading, I look for holes that don’t wreck key features; a small, tidy hole off-center usually keeps more value intact.

Feeling the History

This collection isn’t just about coins; it’s a handshake with the 1800s. I once met a fellow who claimed birth in 1863 – a reminder that these coins jingled in pockets during lifetimes that feel distant, yet surprisingly near. My own great-grandad was born in 1879. Holding coins that might have been touched by folks like him? That connection adds a whole other layer to the hobby. It’s pretty mind-blowing.

Tips If You Want to Start

Feeling inspired to try something similar? Here’s what I’ve picked up:

• Keep it Focused: Pick one coin type or era to begin with. It builds momentum without feeling overwhelming.
• Handle with Care: Store holed coins in acid-free holders to prevent more damage. Try to avoid touching them directly to keep their natural aging intact.
• Talk to People: Chat with other collectors! Some of my best finds came through trades or tips.
• Enjoy the Ride: Embrace the flaws. That hole? It’s what makes your coin unique and the hunt so much more satisfying.

Building this holed type set has been incredibly rewarding, mixing history, art, and the pure thrill of the search. I’ll definitely share updates as I track down those last few pieces. In the meantime, I hope it encourages you to dig into the stories waiting in your own collections!