There are a few ways to drill a hole in a coin, depending on the tools you have available and the desired precision. Here are some methods:
- Materials:
– Coin
– Drill (electric or manual)
– Drill bit designed for metal (cobalt/titanium recommended)
– Clamps or vice to secure the coin
– Center punch or nail (optional)
– Lubricant (cutting fluid or thin oil like WD-40)
– Safety goggles
– Deburring tool or sandpaper (optional)
- Steps:
1. Preparation: Polish the coin if desired. Mark the spot where you want the hole to be.
2. Center Punching (optional but recommended): Use a center punch or nail and a hammer to create a small indentation at the marked spot. This helps prevent the drill bit from “walking” or slipping during drilling.
3. Secure the Coin: Clamp or hold the coin securely in a vice, ensuring it won’t move during drilling. Protect the coin’s surface from damage by wrapping it in a cloth or cardboard packaging if desired.
4. Drilling: Select a drill bit designed for drilling metal. Apply lubricant to the drill bit and the drilling surface of the coin. Begin drilling slowly and steadily, maintaining a firm grip on the drill. If drilling a larger hole, consider using a smaller pilot hole first.
5. Finishing: Once the hole is drilled, you might have some burrs or rough edges. You can smooth these out with a deburring tool or fine-grit sandpaper.
- Safety Precautions:
– Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying metal shavings.
– Hold the coin firmly to prevent it from spinning during drilling, which could cause injury.
– Be aware that metal shavings can be very hot.
- Materials:
– Coin (especially suitable for pressed coins)
– Nail (a small tack nail or finishing nail)
– Hammer
– Scrap piece of wood
– Metal clamp (optional)
- Steps:
1. Placement: Place the coin on a sturdy piece of scrap wood.
2. Mark and Indent: Position the nail where you want the hole. Tap the nail gently with the hammer to create a small indentation, preventing it from sliding.
3. Hammering: Increase the force of your hammer blows until the nail punches through the coin. For pressed coins, a nail can be driven right through with enough force.
4. Finishing: Clean up any burrs on the back side of the coin with sandpaper. You can also gently hammer down loose metal shards.
- Note: This method pushes the metal rather than cutting it, so the excess metal from the hole will protrude from the back.
- Materials:
– Coin
– Punch and die set (specifically designed for metalworking)
– Hammer or press
– Punch lube (optional)
– Deburring tool or file
- Steps:
1. Annealing (Optional): Heating the coin before punching can make it easier to work with and reduce stress.
2. Setup: Place the coin on a spacer within the punch and die set, ensuring it is centered or aligned with the desired hole location. Lubricate the punch if desired.
3. Punching: Use a hammer or press to drive the punch through the coin. Some punches may require multiple stages, turning the punch after each press.
4. Deburring: Use a deburring tool or file to smooth the edges of the hole after punching.
- Note: Punch and die sets offer a more controlled and potentially cleaner hole compared to drilling or hammering. Some sets are designed for specific coin sizes.
Important Considerations:
- Coin Material: Different metals have different hardness, impacting the drilling or punching process.
- Legality: Check the laws and regulations regarding modifying coins in your area before proceeding.
- Purpose: The intended use of the drilled coin may influence your choice of method and desired hole size and finish.
Choose the method that best suits your needs and skill level. Remember to prioritize safety and take precautions to avoid injury.
Is it legal to drill a hole in a coin?
Thanks for asking. It is a violation of 18 U.S.C. ยง 331 to alter a U.S. or foreign coin with the intent to defraud. The United States Mint cannot issue interpretations of criminal statutes such as this, which fall within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Justice.
How to drill through a rock without cracking it?
To avoid chipping or splitting the stone, the recommended technique is to position the drill bit at a 90-degree angle and start slowly, then gradually up the speed once it has penetrated the stone. The idea is to then replace the bit with a slightly larger diameter and make your way up through the dimensions as needed.