My Holed US 19th Century Type Set Adventure: January 2025 Update and June Insights

Putting together my collection of holed 19th-century US coins has been quite the adventure – full of surprises and learning moments. As we roll into mid-2025, I’m happy with where things stand, though I’ve still got some gaps to fill. I’d love to share where things are at with my type set, along with some thoughts that might help fellow collectors.

The Heart of My Collection: Authentic Holed Coins

At the core of my collection are coins with original holes that have been around since the 1800s – I’d never dream of drilling one myself. Beyond the financial hit of damaging a potentially valuable piece, it just feels dishonest to a true collector. These holes whisper stories about how people used coins back then – as pendants, good luck charms, or even sewn onto clothing. I display them on cork boards using stick pins, which I’ve found works much better than staples to prevent scratches. It’s a straightforward setup that keeps everything visible and protected.

Progress and the Hunt for Missing Pieces

As of June 2025, I’m excited about how the collection has grown, though I’m still chasing a few key pieces:

• Braided Hair half cent – tough to find holed versions because they’re small and scarce to begin with
• Barber half – I’ve spotted some lovely AU examples with holes, but they command strong prices
• Seated dollar with motto – these rarely turn up holed, so I’m playing the long game
• Trade dollar – often found with both holes and chopmarks from Asian trade, adding extra character

Market-wise, I recently snagged a quarter for a song, but overpaid a bit for a 20-cent piece – a good reminder to watch auction patterns and dealer pricing. Holed coins can sometimes fly under the radar, so there are deals out there if you’re patient.

Grading and Collecting Insights

When evaluating holed coins, I’ve realized the hole’s placement and size matter more than I first thought. Even an AU coin can hold decent value with a small, unobtrusive hole, but it’s always about finding that sweet spot between condition and story. For new collectors, I’d suggest starting with coins where the hole doesn’t hide important features – they’re more satisfying to own and easier to trade later. Price-wise, holed examples offer a great way into type collecting when funds are tight. You get the same historical significance as perfect specimens, just with more personality and less damage to your wallet.

Historical Reflections and Personal Connections

Handling these 19th-century pieces always makes me reflect on how recent that era feels. I once met a gentleman born in 1863 – it’s incredible to think he might have jingled coins like these in his pocket. My own great-grandfather entered the world in 1879, making this history feel vividly personal. That connection transforms collecting; each holed coin isn’t just a numismatic item, but a physical link to when these were everyday objects. They remind us that coins carry human stories in their metal, which for me is the real magic of this hobby.

Practical Tips for Display and Care

If this sparks your interest in starting a similar collection, here are some things that have worked for me:

• Mounting: Stick pins through cork or foam boards create a clean display that minimizes contact
• Handling: Cotton gloves are essential, and acid-free holders protect coins when not displayed
• Finding holed coins: Try online auctions, estate sales, and specialty dealers – and don’t hesitate to negotiate on overlooked pieces
• Preservation: If cleaning is necessary, distilled water works gently – avoid chemicals to preserve natural patina

Building this set has taught me that even “damaged” coins deserve attention – they’re historical artifacts with unique charm. If you collect coins, give holed examples a look; you might find yourself hooked!