Many different coins throughout history, both ancient and modern, have featured a hole in the middle.
- Ease of Handling/Carrying: In ancient China, coins had a square hole in the center, allowing them to be strung together for easy transportation and accounting. [According to Quora] . This allowed people to carry large quantities of coins without the need for wallets or pockets.
- Distinguishing Denominations: In modern times, holes are sometimes used to help visually impaired individuals differentiate between coins of similar size but different values. The Japanese 5 Yen coin and 50 Yen coin are examples of this practice. The [Japan Mint] notes that the 50-yen coin was pierced to make it more distinguishable from the 100-yen piece after resemblance issues arose in 1959.
- Saving Material: In some cases, a hole might be incorporated into a coin’s design to reduce the amount of metal used in its production, particularly for coins made of cheaper metals like tin.
- Tradition/Appearance: Some modern coins, like the Japanese 5 Yen, retain the hole as a nod to tradition and to give the coin a unique and recognizable appearance, [according to Quora].
- Artistic or Symbolic Meaning: Ancient Chinese mythology assigned symbolic meaning to their holed coins, with the round coin representing the universe and the square hole representing China as the center of the universe. Additionally, a small number of Chinese cash coins, called Huachuanqian , featured octagonal or hexagonal “flower” or “turtle shell” holes, potentially for aesthetic or symbolic purposes.
- Chinese Cash Coins: Famous for their square holes, these ancient coins were used for centuries and could be easily strung together. [Wikipedia]
- Japanese 5 Yen Coin: This coin has a hole in the middle and is made of brass. The obverse depicts a rice plant, water, and a gear, representing agriculture, fisheries, and industry, respectively.
- Japanese 50 Yen Coin: This cupronickel coin also features a hole, which was added to distinguish it from the 100-yen coin. [According to the Japan Mint].
- Danish 1 Krone Coin: This modern coin, along with the 2 Krone, also features a hole in the center.
- Indian 1 Pice Coin: These coins produced between 1943 and 1947 featured very large holes.
- Netherlands Antilles 50 Cent Coin: This coin is oriented as a diamond with a central hole.
It’s important to note that coins with drilled holes (rather than those minted with them) may be considered damaged and their value reduced. However, collecting holed coins, particularly those with interesting historical or cultural significance, remains a popular pursuit among numismatists.
What is a rare coin with a hole in the middle?
From my experience, And not round like newer coins. However in 350 BC they started making round coins. History stated that in one year 220 million coins were made which was a record for ancient.
What kind of coins have holes in the middle?
Chinese cash coins had a square hole, while many modern coins have a round hole. Examples include the Japan 5 yen coin and 50 yen coin, and the Denmark 1 krone coin.
Why do some coins have a hole in the middle?
From my experience, The holes you see on American and European coins were intentionally pierced by private individuals. The holes were most likely made so that the coin could be suspended on a chain as a necklace. Drilling holes into coins would drastically reduce a coin’s desirability to collectors as they’re considered damaged.
Are coins with holes in them worth money?
Yes, they still have value. The date of the Coin is key to the value. For example, if one is key date, rare and worth $1000.00 normally without damage, a holed specimen would be worth probably half the value or 2/3 the value.