My Adventure with an 1830 5 Cents Holed Coin

I recently stumbled upon an 1830 5 cents piece with a hole punched through it, and honestly? It completely shifted how I see early U.S. coins. Who knew damaged pieces could carry so much history and still be worth collecting?

What Exactly Am I Holding Here?

After checking my references, I realized this isn’t even a nickel—it’s a Half-Disme, cataloged as H10. That “5 C” marking started with the Capped Bust design in 1829, while the first actual nickel (the Shield Nickel) didn’t show up until 1866. So if you’ve got one like this, you’re holding a genuine slice of early America.

Why That Hole Might Be a Good Thing

Turns out holed coins weren’t mistakes—they were practical. Folks in the 1800s often threaded them on twine or chains to keep from losing their money. That’s why collectors still appreciate them today:

• Many of us actively seek holed coins—they feel authentic and tell a story
• For tough dates like 1830, they’re not just placeholders but keepers since affordable upgrades are scarce
• From what I’ve seen at auctions, a well-preserved holed coin often gets serious attention

My Two Cents on Collecting Them

Thinking about using one as a temporary fill-in? You might want to reconsider—it could be your best option for years. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Display it proudly while hunting for upgrades, but go slow—these don’t come up often
• Watch eBay auctions for holed coins to gauge prices—they can spark surprising bidding wars
• Adding a suspension loop? Might look neat historically, but won’t boost value much. Focus on the coin’s actual condition instead

Identifying and Grading Your Find

Getting the details right matters. For this coin, varieties like LM-1.1 (rarity R-6) and LM-1.2 (rarity R-4) hugely affect worth. My approach:

• LM-1.1 is rarer and pricier, but you’ll need crisp photos to spot those die markers
• Always shoot your coins in good light—fuzzy images lead to costly misidentifications
• Compare yours to known examples—I do this religiously to verify details and condition

What the Market’s Telling Us

Holed coins are gaining real traction among collectors who love historical character. My observations:

• Prices swing wildly, but rare dates like this often perform well online even with holes
• Keep tabs on precious metals too—early pieces like this ride broader collecting waves

All told, I’ve developed real affection for holed coins and their stories. If you’ve got one, cherish it—that “flaw” might just make it special.