Collection History: Donated in 1897 by Dr. Wilson A. Farnsworth

Rome. Geta.
Coins have been pierced throughout the ages, for a variety of reasons. Examining how strategically they are struck through and the location of the hole might indicate the purpose of the piercing, but one can never know with certainty. Coins might be nailed to other objects to act as talismans if they are seen as apotropaic. They might also be worn as jewelry, for display, or protection, or as an act of pride. The removed metal might also serve a utilitarian purpose (i.e., being melted down for other uses). In this case, the careful placement of the piercing suggests otherwise. Katherine Keller 2013.