I much prefer coins that are holed than one where it was plugged when buying coins for cheap. Not only does the plugging takes the charm out of the holed coin, but it is deceiving, even if the seller mentions plugging. Just leave it as it is, leave the already mutilated coin intact! This is my first Commodus coin, and if it had been plugged I wouldn't have bought it even if the price was offered at lower than the holed one.
There is nothing “charming” about a hole in a coin, token or medal unless it’s supported to be there. For example, a hole in a 19th century political piece was often there because the wearer needed a way to attach it to his or her clothing.
I agree I think repaired/plugged is worse than holed. But I hope to never buy a holed one. I believe I would pass even if it was the only one.
I have a type set of holed coins. A few of them were plugged and I removed them. I have seen some coins that were professionally plugged so you could hardly tell. Some crudely plug them so that they can have them graded. I know NGC will grade holed coins but believe ANACS and PCGS will not unless they're plugged.
