Expert: Joe Hylas - 2/15/2007

Question
Hi Joe,
I also have a hollow backed silver issue coin with an eagle, two stars, 1776 date,and a 7 digit serial number at the bottom.  It sounds like the same kind someone else has asked you about.  I would love to know the history of these coins as well as the value.  thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Jody,
Coins like yours were made, outside the mint, for various reasons.
Some were made by magicians so another coin could fit inside of it.  Others had 2 halves, while still others actaully had a hinges os they could be opened easily.
The hinged ones were called boxed dollars and were used to hold opium in the far east.  The ones with two halves have a more intriguing story.  One of the most incredible trus spy stories occurred in the 20th. century.  A german spy would deposit microfilm in a hollowed out coin and deposit the coin into a lamppost in Central Park in NYC.  There it was picked up and the secrets delivered.  That actually went on for years.  I forget the spy's name but I am sure you could find out more on the web.
Either way, what you have is fun to own and a great story piece.

Regards
Joe Hylas