Why would someone hole a Capped Bust Half in the 19th Century?

Neat album @Jeffjay - The Coin and Currency Institute (Library of Coins), early 1960's?

 

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I’m

 

Copyright 1959

 

To answer the original question, because they are an idiot.

 

That's a little harsh. At the time it was done, they weren't collectible, they were just pocket change.

 

If someone did it in let's say 1960 then they are an idiot.

 

We must understand that there are a large number of coins that have jokes or it was reengraved. Usually with initials or a name but there are lots of them available today. We call them Love Tokens. A coin with one hole was usually worn as a necklace and one with two holes was usually a bracelet.
To us it seems strange but most of these were made before automobiles. It was a cheap and interesting way to show that special someone how you felt about them.
Just accept them for what they are.

 

Two holes could also have been a button, or I've read that they would make a spinning toy using string.

 

Yes, the first spinning tops I believe.