4 large cents one hole copper coins

1bigpopsont

Jr. Member
Jul 12, 2006
24
28
pa.
Detector(s) used
dfx 300
I found these in my yard about 12 years ago 6” down all in the same hole stacked and it looks like you can see where the one with the hole was stacked on the other coin. I used a dfx 300 if you know anything about these feel free to let me know
 

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Upvote 13
Looks like a couple are from the 1840s and the other two, you held them together, the bigger diameter ones are 1830s. Very common to find with holes in them, theory states they tied them into their clothing so they didn’t get lost.
This is finds from one hunt, about half the large coppers I found were holed…
 

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large cents were often used as washers on a roof as they were only 1 cent, whereas an iron washer made by a blacksmith would cost more and would of course rust
 

large cents were often used as washers on a roof as they were only 1 cent, whereas an iron washer made by a blacksmith would cost more and would of course rust
If that theory holds up then we should be digging a lot of large cents with holes right ? I have dug a few large cents but none with holes, When I was in Spain there was a really common large coin from 1869 I think and we found a few of those with holes.... I was told that they would nail it to a wall and say that their house ALWAYS had money... an interesting thought.... Also did they take it down to use it, if they suddenly found they needed it ?
The hole in the one in the picture looks drilled as it appears to be to clean for a nail hole...
My two large cents worth :dontknow: 🤣
 

I've found several of these around old houses in Virginia and West Va with holes in the middle. I was told by "Old Timers" and fellow Diggers that was the purpose. Interesting about Spain.
 

Well done on the coppers, nice recovery for sure.
Looks like the start or the marking of a hole in the left hand copper.

Screen Shot 2024-04-11 at 10.08.25 AM.png


Debate over drilled or nailed is just putting a hole through an object.
Drills weren't common, but they were used when this coin was minted.

Screen Shot 2024-04-11 at 10.12.58 AM.png
 

Well done on the coppers, nice recovery for sure.
Looks like the start or the marking of a hole in the left hand copper.

View attachment 2142787

Debate over drilled or nailed is just putting a hole through an object.
Drills weren't common, but they were used when this coin was minted.
They were stacked. That's the impression left behind from the coin on the right after years from being buried.
 

If that theory holds up then we should be digging a lot of large cents with holes right ?
Right. Or "copper" washers.

How would they have used washers on colonial roofing?
 

Awesome find!! Bet that signal was a blow you head phones off !!
 

Four in one hole - excellent find !

Approx. a dozen of the Large Cents I've found have been "Holed".

From what I've read over the years ...
As already mentioned - a hole in the middle = Washer
A hole around the edge = put on a string or wire and worn inside clothes to prevent loss or theft.
 

Nice finds. Thanks for sharing and congratulations.
 

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