I usually don't buy holed coins, but at times, there are coins that are nearly impossible to collect or are extremely expensive and these types of coins are great to fill that sweet spot. Here are a few coins in my collection that have holes in them. So go ahead and post your damaged beauties... Byzantine Empire: Constantine X Ducas (1059-1067) AR ⅔ Miliaresion, Constantinople (Sear-1851; DOC 6d) Obv: + ӨKЄ ROHӨЄI; Theotokos orans standing facing; MHP ӨV across field Obv: + ӨKЄ RO/HӨЄI KШN/CTANTINШ/ΔЄCΠOTH/TШ ΔUKAv in seven lines; — • — above and below legend Empire of Nicaea: John III Ducas-Vatazes (1222-1254) Trachy, Thessalonica Mint (Sear-2124; LBC 445-47) Obv: AP X/M in field; Bust of St. Michael nimbate, wearing divitision, and panelled loros of simple type; right hand hold sword, resting over shoulder; left hand holds globus cruciger Rev: IШ ΔЄCΠOTHC in two columnar groups. Emperor seated upon throne without back wearing stemma divitision and jeweled loros of traditional type; right hand holds scepter cruciger; left hand holds anexikakia; In left field, an outstretched wing; Manus Dei in upper right field Bulgaria: Konstantin I Asen (1257-1277) Æ Trachy (Raduchev & Zhekov 1.4.3-6, Youroukova & Penchev-39) Obv: Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator; IC XC/+ + across field Rev: Half-length facing bust of Konstantin I, holding labarum and globus cruciger Sogdiana, Chach: Unknown Ruler (3rd-5th c.) AE Unit (Shagalov & Kuznetsov-1) Obv: Portrait of a ruler in profile facing left surrounded by a linear rim. The ruler has an almond shaped eyes, a large nose, sloping forehead, pointed chin with a forked beard, and small mustache. Hair is flowing down to his shoulders and individual strands of curly hair is intercepted by a tiara, which ends tied behind his head with two loops back down to his head. The top of the tiara has a crescent-shaped pommel attached. On the neck of the ruler is a jewlery with a round medallion in the middle. Rev: Tamgra surrounded by Sogdian legend - c'c'n n'pn'c wnwn xw b - Chach people ruler - King Vanvan
My coin is holey-er than yours. Divus Augustus as by Nerva Some holes are more interesting than others. Holes made in antiquity outrank ones made for 20th century jewelry. This one removed a countermark of a boy's head commonly found on this type. Septimius Severus/Julia Domna AE35 Stratonicea with the c/m This Augustus still has part of the iron nail that once held it to some piece of wood. The hole and nail do not bother me but I really, really wish the guy with the hammer had hit it just a little more gently rather than smashing the portrait so extremely. I don't think any of you could understand how very much I would like to find a few (7?) antoniniani of Postumus each with four holes whether or not they were still in the form of this bracelet shown in my c.1858 photo.
I don't mind holes when placed in strategic location, unlike the one below. QUINTILLUS Antoninianus OBVERSE: IMP CM AVR CL QVINTILLVS AVG, radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right REVERSE: PAX AVGVSTI, Pax standing left, holding olive branch and transverse sceptre, A in left field Struck at Rome, 270 AD 2.2g, 20mm RIC 26
i don't have any holed coins, but i've always been curious as to how this mark was made. below and right to the "dimple" . it doesn't go all the way through, but it's perfectly round and has a white deposit in the bottom.
@dougsmit: There is definitely something beautiful about the four-holed Divus Augustus as, especially with that green patina. I also like the Augustus with that nail. That is something I would definitely pick up just because of the nail and wood that is still present. What I find stunning is the ability for you to identify the coin bracelet in that picture! Outstanding! @Mat: Due to the fragile nature of the miliaresion, there was a tendency for these coins to chip and crack. Furthermore, several of these coins were intentionally holed due to the powerful image of the Virgin Mary. It seems it was quite popular to wear these coins. Even the DOC and Sear plate coins have holes in them. @ancientcoinguru: That Chach coin is pretty scarce and usually found is poor condition, but this coin has a very nice strike, especially the legend on the back.
http://www.classicalcoins.com/flans1.html The above link starts the 8 page discussion that explains more than most people want to know about this question but it is by far the best explanation online. I suggest you read all 8 pages or none. The best part comes in the last half.
Holed coins are okay with me just as long they a considerable minority. I want variety in my collection after all in terms of grades, mintplaces, denominations, metals, periods, and holed… Michael VII Doukas, 2/3 miliaresion, Sear 1876: On the obverse Mary with infant Jezyz, and on the reverse the legends says: The mother of God, help Michael Doukas the Despot.(Keep in mind it has a different meaning back then) And then two anonymous:
Caracalla, 198 – 217 AD Æ28, Caria, Alabanda. 9.10 grams Obverse: AV K M - ANTWNINOC, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Reverse: ALABANDEWN, Tied laurel branches. References: SNGCopenhagen 15 SNG Von Aulock 2401
Very cool OP Holy-Moley, Q-Geek!! (congrats) ... ummm, all I have is this Augustus example with a knife-jab in it ...
ISLAND OFF THRACE THASOS AR Trihemiobol OBVERSE: Satyr running left, holding kylix REVERSE: ΘΑΣ − ΙΩΝ Amphora Struck at Thasos, 411-350BC 0,7 g, 12 mm; SNGCop 1030
My favorite forato coin taught me a new word in Italian: forato = hole or drilled Monte Forato there are several neat pictures of the mountain
My 'hole-in-one' is this cheap but rather impulsive purchase of a Domitia fourree --- hence the 'hole':
