1886 Seated Liberty Silver Dime, Holed for Jewelry/Charm Use
Coin/Jewelry (Numismatic Exonumia) · United States Mint (Philadelphia), designed by Christian Gobrecht
Pattern: Seated Liberty Dime (issued 1837-1891)
Type
Coin/Jewelry (Numismatic Exonumia)
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia), designed by Christian Gobrecht
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Standard US Coinage Silver)
Dimensions
Diameter approx 17.9mm; Weight approx 2.5 grams (originally, minus loss from hole/wear)
Description
An authentic US 90% silver dime featuring the iconic Seated Liberty design. This specific specimen has been manually holed, a common practice in the 19th century to prevent loss or to fashion jewelry when silver coins were valued commodities. It shows signs of honest circulation wear.
Key Features
1886 date; Seated Liberty figure; intentional perforation; 90% silver content
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Standard US Coinage Silver)
Finish & Decoration
Circulated coin finish with natural tarnish; neoclassical 'Seated Liberty' motif with a shield and thirteen stars
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' on obverse; 1886 date stamp; (Reverse not visible but would carry 'ONE DIME' and wreath)
Construction Details
Die-struck from planchets; post-production modification by hand-drilling a hole at the 12 o'clock position
Functional Features
Perforation/hole allows for use as a pendant, charm, or attachment to a 'love token' bracelet
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; single hole serves as the point of attachment for a jump ring or cord
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-struck government-issued coinage; the perforation is crude, likely performed with a hand drill or punch.
Authentication Indicators
Correct typography for the period; natural wear patterns; die-struck strike details; silver toning/color consistent with .900 purity
Origin & Manufacturing
United States Mint, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Era & Period
Late Victorian era / Gilded Age (1886); Neoclassical design aesthetic
Age Estimate
Dated 1886; modified for wear likely in the late 19th or early 20th century
Cultural Significance
Represents the conversion of legal tender into personal adornment; reflects the historical value of silver coinage as a wearable store of wealth.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant wear to high points; evident scratches; 'holed' status is a permanent alteration that affects numismatic value but adds historical character.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00. The silver melt value is very low (~$1.80), and the hole significantly reduces collector 'numismatic' value, but it retains value as a historical curiosity.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with abrasives; preserve the patina; store in a dry location to prevent further sulfidation (darkening).
Similar Pieces
1886 Barber Dimes (introduced later); 'Love Tokens' where the reverse is smoothed and engraved with initials.
Interesting Facts
Holed coins were often used as teething rings for babies or sewn into clothing in the 19th century to ensure one always had 'emergency money.'