I need opinions on this.

[Merf]

I recently found 5 Large cents dated 1825 to 1854 at a farmstead that existed in 1871 but was torn down or burned before 1892. 3 of the 5 coins were holed.
Now I just can not figure out why they would hole a coin to , perhaps, wear it around thier neck when it was only maybe 50 years old or so.
I am wondering if maybe they had vagrancy laws back then that if you were broke and loitering you might be arrested. Any opines on this are appreciated.

 

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[Montana Jim]

This might have some interesting reading... American Digger Magazine asked the same question.

http://www.fleur-de-coin.com/coinforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=212

 

[Merf]

Thanks Jim--Some interesting theories.
I can see possibly the teething idea for the large cents----But I have my doubts.

 

[Fisher]

I've heard people would nail them to their houses for good luck, wear them on a string around the neck for lack of pockets, and even use them as buttons. Hard to say exactly why.

Sounds like some great finds though!
HH

 

[finderzzs]

Actually they were holed to keep thieves from stealing them. They would be sewn inside of their clothes, and wouldn't be seen.

 

[pookie-princess of rust]

interesting... would they be worth less if they had holes or would they still be worth around the same amount of $$$ as a hole-less one my dad and i go to yard sales all the time looking for stuff (i look for pez but dont usually find them) and there was a guy who had a bunch of coins. my dad collects coins so he was looking thru the box and there was a coin with a hole in it. he didnt bother to grab it because of the hole. i'm not even sure what kind of coin it was.

 

[flyinguy]

holed coins have history and character. i don't know the history, only what i have been told but i like the character. maybe a gift to a first love? maybe to safe guard? a pendant? just for fun? i was a kid once, believe it or not. i drilled more holes in stuff than you could imagine. ask my mom and dad! i like the mystery behind them.

 

[Merf]

Merf...

They were holed because they knew you would dig them up and ask why are these holed...

Case Solved...

Nick