My Journey with a *Holed* US 19th Century Type Set: Updates and Insights

My Hole-y Grail: Building a 19th Century Set

Building this collection of holed 19th century U.S. coins has been equal parts treasure hunt and history lesson. I’ll confess upfront – photographing each coin individually remains on my “someday” list. But I couldn’t wait to share where this journey has taken me so far.

The Real Deal: Why Original Holes Matter

Let’s get one thing straight: I’d never drill a hole in a coin myself. Beyond wrecking good coins, it feels like cheating for collectors like us who appreciate genuine history. Every hole in my set tells an honest story – these coins were worn on strings, tacked to walls, or carried through daily life a century ago. There’s something special about holding a coin that’s been “loved to death” but still carries its history.

Showcasing Secrets: My Cork Board Solution

After trying various display methods, I landed on something wonderfully simple: stick pins through the existing holes onto a cork board. It’s secure, reversible, and frankly looks sharp – like entomology displays but for coins! No staples or adhesives means no new damage, plus it lets me rearrange pieces as the collection grows.

The Missing Pieces: My Current Hunt

While my board’s filling up nicely, a few key gaps remain. Here’s my current most-wanted list:

• Braided Hair half cent
• Barber half
• Seated dollar with motto
• Trade dollar

Funny how the market works – I probably overpaid for my holed 20-cent piece, but then scored a quarter for pocket change. That’s collecting for you!

Market Wisdom: What I’ve Learned

Through trades and shows, I’ve noticed something interesting: holed Trade dollars often come with chopmarks from their time in Asian commerce. When judging holed coins, don’t fixate on the hole – look at the surfaces and details. I’ve seen holed Barber halves with nearly full luster that took my breath away. Watch for natural wear around the hole’s edges too; suspiciously crisp holes might mean modern tampering.

Connecting Through Coins: A Personal Note

Handling these coins gives me chills sometimes. I once met a man claiming he was born in 1863 – just after Emancipation. Whether true or tall tale, holding coins that circulated when people like him walked the earth feels powerful. My own great-grandfather was born in 1879, making these feel like family heirlooms. Coins really are tiny time machines.

Starting Your Own? Tips from the Trenches

If you’re thinking of hunting holed coins yourself, here’s what worked for me:

• Begin with affordable pieces before chasing rarities
• Seek corrosion or wear around holes as proof of age – shiny new holes are red flags
• Set spending limits (learn from my 20-cent splurge!)
• Experiment with displays – my cork board cost less than lunch

Giving these “wounded warriors” a good home brings me real joy – can’t wait to see what turns up next!