1864 L IHC

It looks like from the pictures it may have been cleaned too and possible some corrosion on the back, but otherwise a nice coin minus the hole. I wonder if people years from now will wonder why we destroyed "valuable" coins such as by placing them on rail road tracks, leaving them in the street or tossing them around.

I would also look for repunching on the date. Maybe it was a disgruntled spouse.

To me, it looks like this coin has perhaps been silver-plated? It was probably holed for suspension as a keepsake, many years ago; then, the proverbial lucky penny. Here's something to consider ... Had this coin been kept in a more original state of preservation, it would likely have taken another path and now be resting in someone else's collection. How about using this coin as the nucleus for a "holey" set of Indians? Such an effort could perhaps last a lifetime and be quite affordable, eh what?

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.

I have a friend that did the same thing. He said it was pretty challenging. It makes for a unique looking set!

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!

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.

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.....