1854 Quarter/with hole

This looks like a planchet defect. Do coins like this have any value. I did several searches on the forum but couldn't find anything.

Link to pictures: (click on the individual picture for an enlargement)

http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jvh99/album?.dir=/ebe0

 

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Looks to me like someone shot it.

 

Must have been a pretty small gun

 

and a strong gun i dont think it was a gun if it was there would be a dent around the hole

 

Whatever it was, it looks like it entered the reverse side and moved the metal around to the obverse side of the hole.

[Edited to add: Actually, the quickest tipoff that it can't be a planchet error is that the raised area around the hole on the obverse isn't struck through. Thus it must have occurred after the striking.]

 

I'm afraid that one's damaged.
Usually called "holed" coins, these were used as necklaces, charms, keyring attachments etc.

There is a market for holed coins, however they aren't priced anywhere near original, undamaged coins.

P.S.

All holes aren't perfectly round. If you didn't have a drill, you could still punch a hole with a nail, or something simular.

 

Could it have occured DURING the strike? The reason I ask is that when I look at it under a loupe, the hole on the obverse looks undisturbered while the other side seems to have metal built up around it, but it looks like the metal has been stamped flat. Also, on the obverse there is a a pocket between the hole and the rim, whic could be a planchet defect because the rest of the coin is smooth. It obviously wasn't drilled because the hole on the obverse is smaller than the hole on the reverse. You can't see it in the picture but with a loupe you can see that the hole actually has tapered sides.

Its hard to explain but it looks like something went in the obverse and exited the reverse, but was under pressure when it happened.

 

Hello! That's already been explained (nail points are tapered):

 

At the risk of sounding argumentative, which I am not.

A. I defy anyone reading this to make a similar hole in a coin, with a nail.

2. IF someone was going to put a hole in it, to put on a string or make a pendant, only the village idiot would put it where it is rather than on the top center.

C. In order to make a hole in something, you need to have a blank space on the other side so the tool, whatever it may be, can go through. If it was punched through it would have left a dent around the entry hole. I don't see any possible way it could have been drilled so we won't even go there.

Any RATIONAL ideas?

 

Based on the shape of the hole, and the extra metal, definately a nail. The reason the extra metal is flattened after being pushed through. As to why people put holes in coins, the reasons are limitless. Some of the better explanations are for jewelry, but others are simply because it is possible. A kid with nothing better to do.
As to how, that is easy, take the coin, tape it to a 2X4 and smack it hard with a hammer. The nail pierces the coin, and the wood keeps the coin from bending. (shop class 101)

 

Apparently you failed shop class 101, and I'm guessing physics also.

1. Metal is harder than wood. If you put a coin on a piece of wood and smack the edge of the coin with a nail and hammer you are going to dent the wood and the coin.

2. The nail is round, the hole isn't.

3. Tape doesn't stick very well to wood.

4. The hole is smaller than a two penny nail. A nail small enough to pierce the coin would bend and be useless WAAAAY before going through the coin.

5. I just went out to the garage and took a three penny nail, a two-by-four, and a hammer. Results: Bent and useless nail, big dent in wood, big dent on top of coin, big lump on bottom of coin, no hole.

This hole in this coin WAS NOT made by piercing with a nail, or any other sharp round object.

 

So are you here to learn things, or are you here to insult and antagonize people so they never want to even *try* to help you again?

 

FAIR WARNING This thread is one more personal attack posting away from being deleted.

 

I'm tempted to throw in a little insult to close this thing down, but first I'll add my two cents' worth.

The hole on the obverse is clean, but the hole on the reverse, despite some wear from circulation or handling, is a bit messier. As has already been stated, the answer is in the “exit wound”. If this were a damaged planchet, the strike would be sharp at the hole area, but it is not. There is some distortion. This is proof, in my opinion, that the coin was holed after it was made.

As to what made the hole? It is all speculation. BUT…experience (and there is plenty of it here) shows that there are all manner of odd shapes and sizes of holes that have been made over the years. In the very old days, drills were not even necessarily used. Maybe an awl or file or something, with repeated turning or punching to get the hole. These old holes are often not round, especially if someone worked on it with a file.

As to why it was made where it is, and not closer to the edge? Who the heck knows. When I was young I did a lot of thing to coins that I could not even begin to explain now. But, that experience gave me enough knowledge to know that all manner of damage and distortions can be inflicted on coins, and there are ways to create different results.

And we haven’t even begun to talk about blow torches or lasers…….

 

It was not my intention to insult or antagonize anyone. I tend to speak directly which is sometimes mistaken for rudeness. If I offended anyone I sincerely apologize.
I believe that if somone has the passion and interest to post a question on this forum that person deserves a well thought out answer. I have received some very valuable informtion here, and some very specific and detailed information on a recent query, for which I am very grateful. It is obvious that there is a considerable wealth of information amongst the members, and I feel very fortunate to have found this forum.
On the other side of the coin, so to speak, and let me say this first, the question I posed was strictly out of curiosity and only of miniscule importance, to anyone, I think we can all agree on that.
When I questioned the answers, some of which which I felt, were less than well thought out, people became defensive and considered this some sort of an attack. It wasn't.

I think we can all agree that even without another (alleged) personal attack, this thread is more than worthy of deletion.

In the words of Rodney King "Can't we all just get along?"

 

Clears it up for me! Thanks

 

"Love Tokens" is the term I've heard to describe such coins. I have an 1856 seated quarter(F/VF) that has a similiar hole that has been passed down from my great-grandfather.
Drills and drilling devices are among the most ancient of hand tools...rest assured that in the era of the coin in question "cordless" drills were available....hence the burr on the back of the hole.

IMO-
WoodenNickel

 

Can you post a picture of the coin?

 

Sorry, I don't have a scanner but I can tell you the hole in my 1856 is perfectly round and the size of a 1/16 drill bit....I apologize for being in a hurry yesterday and not taking time to notice that your coin was definately 'punched' not drilled. Nonetheless it would be interesting to know the history of these coins and the people/person they were meant for. I have my eyes on a gold 'love token' I'm thinking about getting for the wife...

WK

 

Thanks for the reply. "punched" was exactly the word I was looking for. I'm pretty sure it wasn't drilled but it does look like it has been punched out somehow.

Good luck with the "love token"