1863 Cent: Are We Losing It? Or Is There Something Here.

Looks like copper wire in the hole. A better picture would help as that is all there is to look at.

To the CCF

Looks like damage but always post photos of both sides of the coin. A photo of the reverse is needed.

to the CCF

It's a damaged coin.

Thanks for the reverse pic. With no backside damage from a hard hit with a punch or nail I'd guess that the obverse portrait was drilled on with a bit of some sort.

If you think it originally came from the Mint like this you can always send it in for grading and certification to one of the big 3 grading services for evaluation (AND for a nominal fee of course!).

I'll go out on a limb and can pretty much guarantee the coin will come back in a slab/bag as "genuine / damage / details" (or similar verbiage).

On a positive note - since it has a date, one of the major wholesalers pays $1 each for "cull" early copper nickel cents like this.

I'd agree - as it looks like the drill bit was "walking" around a bit while trying to drill.

Walking definition: "Walking" (or wandering) refers to the phenomenon where a drill bit slips off the intended center point on the metal surface before it begins to cut, resulting in an inaccurate, off-center, or elongated hole. It is a common problem in metalworking, particularly when using high-speed, sharp-pointed bits on hard or slick surfaces.

My first thought was BB gun.

to the Community!