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 Replies: 21 / Views: 2,566 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4417 Posts |
Thanks, Vermontensium, I'll take that credit. Another possibility would be to assemble the ugliest Indian cent set possible ... Sort of an anti-condition census assemblage. Since the 1864 L is not plated, here's another thought ... It may have been nailed to a frame in an old house that was built in 1864? I've heard tell that this was once practiced with large cents; this, as evidenced by square holes. One friend of mine has been working on a "holey" set of large cents; this, after he completed his set of counterstamped large cents. Yet another friend has been working on a "holey" type set. This thread causes me to reflect that I once helped a chap complete his "love token" type set. I happened to have the last type coin he lacked - a 20 cent piece with an engraved reverse. Sorry for the rambling. I'm cooped-up on a wintery day. |
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Valued Member
United States
266 Posts |
I'm going with the second theory on why this was holed. If you were going to hang a coin from a necklace, wouldn't you want to put the hole at the top of Liberty's head, not to her side, so that she hangs so the portrait is upright? I think it's more likely it was nailed into a stud in an old house. Or someone just got really angry and needed to take their frustration out on something with an awl...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1659 Posts |
Quote:
Yet another friend has been working on a "holey" type set.
I have a friend that did the same thing. He said it was pretty challenging. It makes for a unique looking set! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3592 Posts |
How about the fact that maybe this coin was in a civil war soldiers' pocket and a tiny piece of shrapnel blasted through ? The possibilities are endless.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4417 Posts |
Yes, Maineman750, that shrapnel theory is a good one ... Could've happened at Gettysburg? Back in 1864, the wearing of election medalets in a lapel was commonly practiced. Some Civil War tokens were even made and/or altered for that specific purpose. Note that the hole on this coin was punched in the obverse field, preserving the date, the Indian and virtually all of the legend. Thus, I'm inclined to suspect that there was some purpose behind this numismatic tragedy. Then too, I've seen old bracelets, having Indian cents suspended thereon. The mind reels ... I need to get a life! |
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Moderator
  United States
16679 Posts |
When I bought it, the hole was filled in with hard packed dirt. I didn't even think the coin was holed until I got my loupe out and saw an uneven color in this area. I got a sharp toothpick and here is the result.
If only coins could talk. Whatever it was, it was blunt force starting at the obverse side and small, like an awl. Shrapnel is much larger than this in most cases and would have more than likely destroyed this coin, and the soldier.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3592 Posts |
Exoguy...funny you mention Gettysburg...I'm about 20 minutes away ! Probably why my imagination went that way...Vermontesium ,as for shrapnel size....anything was possible, especially back then, they used whatever they found including nails, rocks, and even shot for shotguns..I wouldn't rule it out base on the size anyway.
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
You have a great point. It does look like an impact, doesn't it? Wow, would that be cool or what! Because of the dirt in the hole, it was dug IMO. Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Antietem. My mind is going crazy.
BTW, I want to visit Gettysburg some day. A pilot who works for our airline, lives there. He loves it.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Valued Member
United States
376 Posts |
The battles at Gettysburg, Vicksburg and Antietem were all fought before 1864. The battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1 through July 3 with Pickett's Charge being the final big battle. I don't mean to dampen your enthusiasm but for historical accuracy.....
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
Wasn't sure on the dates Bill. Thanks. I figured it was 63 or 64.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Valued Member
United States
376 Posts |
The Civil War ended in April 9, 1865 @ Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia. So it is possible that the coin was damaged in a later battle such as the Wilderness Campaign, Spotsylvania or maybe Cold Harbour. That is one of the things I really like about Indian cents is the potential history that they could have been involved in just by who may have had possession of them at any given time. The imagination can go wild! Specifically if you happen to be a Civil War buff. |
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
Thank you. I have a couple CSA notes, a 10 and 20 I will share in the near future.
I will take a closeup of the hole with a loupe and post tonight.
Maybe there is some ragged, sharper edges around the hole which may further support our argument of it being damaged in battle.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Valued Member
United States
376 Posts |
I'll be looking forward to seeing them  |
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
455 Posts |
Such a nice coin! What a shame, but I have several holed coins. Mostly Half Dimes and dimes from the 19th century. If it is an attractive coin I don't really mind the holes because it would be one that would be much more expensive if it wasn't holed! |
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Posted 12/13/2010 05:53 am
