How to Make a Hole in a Coin: Drill, Hammer, Punch

Creating a hole in a coin can be a practical skill for various crafts, jewelry making, or simply repurposing old currency. While it might seem challenging, several methods allow you to achieve this with common tools. This guide will explain how to make a hole in a coin using drilling, hammering, and punching techniques, providing detailed instructions and important safety considerations.

Understanding Coin Characteristics Before You Start

Before attempting to make a hole in a coin, it’s beneficial to understand a few characteristics that might influence your chosen method and the ease of the process.

Coin Material

Modern coins are typically made from alloys of copper, nickel, zinc, and sometimes steel. Older coins might contain silver or pure copper. The hardness of these metals varies, affecting how easily they can be drilled or punched. Softer metals are generally easier to work with.

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Coin Thickness

The thickness of a coin directly impacts the effort required. Thicker coins will demand more powerful tools and potentially more time to create a clean hole. For very thick coins, a drill is often the most effective method.

Coin Value

Before modifying any coin, always verify its numismatic value. Altering a valuable coin can significantly decrease its worth. It’s generally advisable to practice on common, low-value coins or even slugs (blank metal discs) if you are new to this.

Method 1: Using a Drill for Precision Holes

Drilling is often the preferred method for creating precise, clean holes, especially in thicker or harder coins. This approach offers good control over hole size and placement.

Tools Required:

• Drill: A hand drill, cordless drill, or drill press. A drill press offers the most stability and control.
• Metal Drill Bits: High-speed steel (HSS) or cobalt drill bits are suitable for metal. Carbide-tipped bits are even harder but might be overkill for most coins. Select a bit size appropriate for your desired hole diameter.
• Vise or Clamp: Essential for securing the coin.
• Scrap Wood or Metal Block: To place under the coin as a sacrificial backing.
• Center Punch and Hammer: For marking the drilling point.
• Safety Glasses: Non-negotiable for eye protection.
• Deburring Tool or Fine-Grit Sandpaper: For finishing the hole.
• Cutting Fluid or Oil: Helps lubricate the drill bit, reduce friction, and dissipate heat, extending bit life and improving cut quality.

Step-by-Step Drilling Process:

1. Secure the Coin:

• Place a scrap piece of wood or a metal block on a stable workbench or surface. This backing prevents damage to your work surface and provides support as the drill bit exits the coin.
• Position the coin on the backing material.
• Use a vise or strong clamp to firmly secure both the coin and the backing material. The coin must not move during drilling. For added protection against marring, you can wrap the coin in a soft cloth or use rubber jaw pads on your vise.

1. Mark the Drilling Point:

• Carefully measure and mark the exact location where you want the hole to be.
• Use a center punch and a light hammer tap to create a small indentation at your marked spot. This dimple prevents the drill bit from wandering (known as “walking”) when you start drilling, ensuring the hole is precisely where you want it.

1. Choose the Right Drill Bit:

• Select a metal-specific drill bit (HSS or cobalt) that matches the desired hole size.
• For very small holes or tough coins, consider starting with a smaller pilot drill bit and then progressively increasing the size with larger bits until you reach the final diameter. This “step drilling” reduces stress on the bit and creates cleaner holes.

1. Drill the Hole:

• Wear safety glasses.
• Attach the chosen drill bit securely into your drill.
• Apply a small amount of cutting fluid or oil to the marked spot on the coin.
• Begin drilling slowly, applying steady, consistent pressure. Avoid excessive force, which can overheat the bit or coin, or cause the bit to break.
• Maintain a moderate drill speed. Too fast can generate excessive heat; too slow might not cut effectively.
• As you drill, periodically lift the bit slightly to clear chips and reapply cutting fluid.
• For thicker coins: If the coin is thick, drill about halfway through, then flip the coin and drill from the opposite side, aligning with the initial hole. This technique helps prevent burrs on the exit side and ensures a cleaner hole.

1. Finish the Hole:

• Once the drill bit passes through the coin, remove the coin from the vise.
• Inspect the hole for any rough edges or burrs (sharp, raised metal).
• Use a deburring tool, a larger drill bit twisted by hand, or fine-grit sandpaper (wrapped around a small dowel or pencil) to smooth out these edges on both sides of the coin. This creates a clean, finished appearance and prevents snagging.

Method 2: Using a Hammer and Nail (Best for Pressed Coins or Thin Metal)

This method is more rudimentary and is best suited for “pressed coins” (souvenir coins that have been flattened and elongated) or very thin, soft metal. It is generally not recommended for standard, un-pressed coins due to the difficulty in achieving a clean hole and the potential for coin deformation.

Tools Required:

• Scrap Wood: A sturdy piece like a 2×4 or similar, that can withstand hammering.
• Work Table: A robust table that can handle impact.
• Metal Clamp: To secure the wood and coin.
• Hammer: A standard claw hammer or ball-peen hammer.
• Nail: A sturdy nail with a sharp point, slightly smaller than the desired hole size.
• Marker: To mark the spot.
• Safety Glasses: Essential.

Step-by-Step Hammer and Nail Process:

1. Prepare the Surface and Coin:

• Place the scrap piece of wood on your work table.
• Position the pressed coin on the wood.
• Use a metal clamp to securely fasten both the wood and the pressed coin to the table. Ensuring stability is crucial to prevent the coin from shifting during hammering.

1. Mark the Spot:

• Use a marker to clearly indicate where you want the hole to be on the pressed coin.

1. Create an Indentation:

• Place the tip of the nail directly on the marked spot.
• Gently tap the head of the nail with your hammer a few times. The goal is to create a small, shallow indentation in the coin. This dimple will help guide the nail and prevent it from slipping sideways when you start applying more force.

1. Hammer Through the Coin:

• Wear safety glasses.
• Position the nail firmly in the indentation.
• Begin hammering the nail with controlled, firm strikes. Aim to drive the nail straight down through the coin.
• Continue hammering until the nail completely penetrates the pressed coin and the tip emerges from the other side. You will feel a change in resistance as the nail breaks through.

1. Clean Up:

• Carefully remove the nail from the coin.
• Flip the coin over. You will likely see a raised burr of metal around the exit hole.
• Gently hammer down any loose or raised metal fragments around the hole to flatten them.
• If the hole is not clean or fully open, you can reinsert the nail from the opposite side and gently tap it through again to clear any remaining material. For smoother edges, you might need to use a small file or sandpaper.

Method 3: Using a Punch (For Specific Applications)

Punching is a fast way to create holes, but it requires specialized tools and can be challenging for very thick or hard coins without significant force. It is especially effective for softer metals or when working with dedicated punching equipment.

Types of Punches:

• Jewelry Metal Hole Punches (Pliers Style): These resemble heavy-duty pliers with a small punch and die set. They are suitable for thin gauge metals and sometimes for softer, thinner coins.
• Punch and Die Sets: These consist of interchangeable punches and corresponding dies. They are designed to be used with a hammer or, for more industrial applications, a hydraulic press.
• Coin Ring Maker Punches: Specialized tools used by coin ring artisans. These often come with alignment tools to ensure perfectly centered holes. They are robust and can handle standard coin thickness when paired with a press.

Tools Required:

• Appropriate Metal Punch: Choose based on coin thickness and desired hole size.
• Hammer (if using a punch and die set): A heavy hammer (e.g., ball-peen or sledgehammer for larger punches).
• Anvil or Sturdy Metal Block: A hard, flat surface to support the coin and die.
• Safety Glasses: Always.
• Deburring Tool or File: For finishing.
• Alignment Tool (optional but recommended): For precise hole placement.

Step-by-Step Punching Process:

1. Choose the Right Punch and Die:

• Select a punch and die combination that matches your desired hole size. Ensure the die opening is slightly larger than the punch diameter to allow for clean material removal.
• For regular coins, a robust punch and die set designed for metalworking is usually necessary. Pliers-style jewelry punches might struggle with the thickness and hardness of standard coinage.

1. Position the Coin:

• Place the chosen die on a sturdy, flat anvil or heavy metal block.
• Position the coin directly over the die, aligning the desired hole location with the center of the die’s opening.
• If using an alignment tool, place it over the coin to ensure precise centering.
• Place the punch on top of the coin, aligning its tip with the marked spot or the alignment tool’s guide.

1. Punch the Hole:

• Wear safety glasses.
• For pliers-style punches: Squeeze the handles firmly and steadily until the punch cuts through the coin.
• For hammer-driven punch and die sets: Hold the punch upright and perfectly perpendicular to the coin. Strike the top of the punch sharply and firmly with a heavy hammer. One or two solid blows should be sufficient to drive the punch through the coin, pushing the slug (the cut-out piece) into the die.

1. Remove and Deburr:

• Carefully remove the punched coin from the die.
• The hole will likely have a slight burr on one side (the side opposite where the punch exited).
• Use a deburring tool, a small file, or fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out these edges, creating a clean finish.

Important Considerations for All Methods

Regardless of which method you choose for how to make a hole in a coin, keeping these general safety and practical tips in mind will improve your results and ensure your well-being.

Safety First

• Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or goggles. Flying metal fragments, broken drill bits, or errant hammer strikes can cause severe eye injury.
• Hand Protection: Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and to improve grip, especially when handling tools.
• Stable Work Environment: Ensure your workbench is sturdy and all tools and materials are securely clamped or positioned to prevent accidents.
• Ventilation: If using cutting fluids or generating significant dust, ensure adequate ventilation.

Coin Thickness and Material

• Thicker Coins: These will require more effort and more robust tools. Drilling is generally the most reliable method for thick coins.
• Hardness: Some coins are made from harder alloys than others. You may need higher-quality drill bits (e.g., cobalt) or more powerful punches for these.

Desired Hole Size

• The size of the hole you want will dictate the specific drill bit, nail, or punch size you need.
• For very small holes, drilling is often the most precise. For larger holes, punching can be quicker if you have the right equipment.

Finishing Touches

• Deburring: This step is crucial for a professional finish. Burrs are sharp and can snag on clothing or skin.
• Polishing: After deburring, you can polish the hole and the surrounding area with fine abrasive compounds or polishing cloths to achieve a smooth, shiny appearance.

Legality

• In some countries, it is illegal to deface or alter currency with the intent to defraud. However, altering coins for artistic or non-fraudulent purposes is often permissible. Always check local laws and regulations before modifying coins, especially if you plan to sell or distribute them. It is generally safe to modify common, low-value coins for personal craft projects.

By following these detailed instructions and safety guidelines, you can successfully learn how to make a hole in a coin using a drill, hammer and nail, or punch, opening up possibilities for various creative projects.