My condolences for the loss of your friend. Why don't you start searching the net for more holed Buffs.....different dates and mintmarks.....and make a bracelet. They should be pretty cheap.
Even if the coins might be worth it, (16 DD or something), I see a lot more damage to them besides the holes.
It seems that Buffalo nickels, Mercury dimes and Indian Head pennies were used a lot in jewelry. Could be just due to the time period, but I've seen them in key fobs, neck bolos, rings, necklaces, bracelets and glued to assorted items as decorations. Some have the "cool" factor while others are just a waste of a good coin.