Looks to me like Mr. Franklin's been around the block quite a few times. Took quite a hit at the first "A" in "America". Sorry, it's just worth melt.
Melt is more than I paid for it!! I got this one when I was paying $3.00oz for silver, it is more the thrill of the hunt for me. "The coin did not look like that when it left the Mint." Is this because it is not possible or because you have never seen one look like this?
You did fine. Holes like that are indicative of PMD (post-Mint damage). If you have a good understanding of the minting process you would understand that holes like that simply would not have been produced when the coin was minted.
I am going to post a thread later about what I got at a recent coin show but I just wanted to say I picket up a awesome large cent with two holes drilled right in it! Bummer! But I did get some good coins so keep your eyes out for my thread! :smile -Taylor