I found this 1841 Seated Quarter while metal detecting a Civil War battlefield. It is a fairly rare coin (only 120,000 minted) but unfortunately, as you can see, it is holed. I know the hole detracts from the value, but wasn't sure how much. I was also wondering if the provenance of being dropped by a Civil War soldier would add anything to the value. Thanks for any input on this that I can get. Tim Guthormsen
Wow, my guess is the birth year of the soldier that was carrying it. Someone who obviously thought a great deal about the U.S.A. as the hole is in an interesting location.....like he didn't want to drill through the lettering.
Nice find. Great shape too for something that came out of the ground. As far as added value for belonging to a civil war soldier: I'd say not so much. There is just no way to prove that.
Well, without a hole, it is valued in red book at $100-$150. It IS still a neat coin... So, I'd guestimate the value at present to be maybe $25-$100... Then again, I don't terribly mind holes in coins. The only thing that really makes me mad are those hobo buffalo nickels... And I thought defacing american currecy was illegal... Uh... Sorry, where was I?
That is a keen observation. It is hard to imagine the difference in mindsets that we have today compared to back then. The coins I have found metal detecting are much darker than the one the op posted, good find.
A Hobo Nickel is a Buffalo Nickel that has been carved to change either the original appearance of the obverse or reverse. Here is a photo (courtesy of Heritage Auctions) of one of the more famous Hobo's by one of the most famous carvers, George Washington "Bo" Hughes. http://coins.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=422&Lot_No=8160 If you are interested in learning more about Hobo Nickels please visit the Original Hobo Nickel Society website. http://www.hobonickels.org/fivaz04.htm You can also search the Heritage archives by typing "hobo" in the search criteria and obtain a wealth of information from the auction listings. We also have a member of CT, Billzach, who does some of the best coin carvings I have ever seen. Search the forum for some of his posts and you will not be disappointed.
Nice find first of all and you got lucky even with the hole because it at least isn't on the liberty or eagle. as far as value goes It all depends on the dealer as you've seen by reading the different posts some people mine and others don't on weather there is or isn't a hole in the coin. for example... I had a 1829 half cent that was beautifuly toned and a strong VF but it had a large pit in the reverse dead center. When i tryed to sell it to one dealer he said he wouldn't buy it but then i went to another and he offered me 100 dollars. So what i'm saying is you just need to find a buyer that likes that kind of stuff.
