I’ve had these kicking around in a box for awhile. I’ve read holed coins might have some value and interset? These coins are well circulated. A holed 1876 Liberty half, a 1837 large Liberty cent with an X stamped into it? A worn and holed 1803 one cent, and a 1749 Britannia?
I came into collecting because I loved holding the history my coins whispered to me while I held them. And as far as I am concerned, a holed piece or one with graffiti scrawled into it does not diminish that history. But the direct answer to your question is yes, the damage greatly diminishes the intrinsic value. But there are collectors that do specialize in these pieces as well.
Randy is right. I've known collectors who only collect holed coins. Not my cup of tea but people should collect what interests them. Bruce
hi Randy, yes, just thinking about where and who held these coins over time is interesting. I look at them and see history, not value. Even with my coins that have value, I look at them and enjoy them for what they are. Walking Liberty coins are some of my favorites.
Any thoughts why my 1837 cent would have an X stamped into it? I believe the holed coins were either used as jewelry or even sewn into clothing for safe keeping?
Well no, not really. Counterstamps were often used as a means of advertising in the days before mass media advertising, but I doubt that was the purpose of a lone “X”…. One of my prized coins is a lovely 1795 dollar with an “X” emblazoned on the eagles chest and I have seen other period coins with a similar mark so I assume that the “X” was not an uncommon addition. I just don’t know why…. Perhaps @BRandM could offer some enlightenment. I believe that counterstamps fall squarely in his wheelhouse.
I also own an old Roman fallen horseman piece with a square hole in it that was obviously created by an ancient square nail. It was on this forum that I learned that those old pieces were often nailed to door frames to indicate political preferences. Made Me love the old piece that much more!
About 30 years ago in a coin show in La Mesa, a lady and gent had a selection of former holed or damage coins they had added holding devices. I have a Morgan with a center screw pin holds it on a cap or jacket that I still wear to coin gatherings. Of course this was when silver was under $5 an ounce, so a good bargain now. Jim
In the past in times of war or siege conditions coins have been stamped or overstamped with an indication of value, usually above the actual denomination. It was a replacement for the lack of available currency caused by the situation...Civil War, Hard Times era, etc. I've actually seen the X used to indicate a value of 10...cents dollars or whatever. Not sure that's what this one is but it's a possibility. Bruce
