I have no problem with coin jewelry, but I probably wouldn't have used that coin. Even though its the most common type for Caligula, nice examples aren't a dime-a-dozen, and that was a pretty decent example.
My dad used to make his ancient coins into jewelry from time to time - tie tacks, rings, pendants. I never got it but he like to say "someone's got to be the final consumer". I prefer to look at my collecting as a custodial endeavor where I will pass them on (at full market value, mind you) to the next owner. It's your property, do as you wish. It's a cool looking ring.
I restore Model 'A' Fords and, because they are not made any more, every time someone turns one into a 'Hot Rod' it makes the 'restored' ones even rarer. (That analogy applies here.)
I have mixed feelings on this. On the negative side: As someone who loves ancient history and coins I hate to see one destroyed to make a trinket. Cutting it down like this is a little like being the guy who killed the last Dodo bird, you are destroying a small part of our collective cultural heritage. I also do not understand why someone would want to wear a ring with Caius Caesar on it. To me this would be like wanting to wear a ring that had Hitler or Bin Laden on it, kinda sick. On the positive side: You own the coin and can make a handsome payday off of it, who am I to tell you not to do so? The coin as it was was not that nice, it would never be more than a hole filler for someone looking for a nicer example and it is by no means a rare type. It isn't like you lucked into the only known sestertius of Otho and destroyed it. This might be wishing for too much, but perhaps the end consumer (who will clearly be in possession of more money than taste) will realize what he or she has and want an unmolested example. Maybe they will study Roman history and coinage and come to appreciate both. Maybe they will even grow to regret being the cause of this coins destruction and work to preserve and protect other ancient artifacts that future generations have a right to appreciate.
Well, I'll pile on. The art work of the ring is terrific. Having a squared "jewel" fits it very well and makes it very unusual. Unfortunately, the basic coin you used sucks. Don't waste your time with stuff like this. Either get a high grade coin that adds to your artistry and mount it in a way that it is not damaged or even better, make some lost wax castings of high grade beautiful ancients and use them in the rings. Your rings deserve it!
I agree, why use an intact coin? For the $50 or whatever that coin cost you could buy hundreds of damaged coins with enough undamaged area that they would make nice jewelry.
Ive seen $5000,00 AS Caligula that DO NOT have as cool a portrait as this one! In my opinion the flan sucked. I like it and didn't take $2500.00 cash on the table! It is in the "Beholder" some people can't see the forest those darn trees are in the way. I'll call this my Cliche' Post everyone should get one a month! lol
During my "Perusals De Ebay" I came across your listing. Give me a few years to save up and I may buy your square, ancient powers, chopped, fleur de lis'd, Caligulated coin-ring. The Fleur De Lis' are a nice touch; this ring transcends time/history. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Authentic-A...478003?hash=item1c72c32d33:g:9fQAAOSw8w1X2dJD
I don't want to sell it. Its just there for the rest of my stuff. So when people make an offer I don't take it.
That is not an "authentic ancient coin"... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ancient-Aut...119911?hash=item1c71d8d4a7:g:vXUAAOSwLF1X9l7t Just sayin'
3/4 of the stuff on E-bay isn't authentic and they don't care! The ring looks cool so the rest are and I'm not sure about that one. One of my coins you guys said was fake the Augustus I had certified as real.
I've sold some very rough "modern" U. S halves & silver dollars to a jewelry maker, even made me one. I dont condone using coins for jewelry. All that history down the toilet. I never wear the ring. I've justified it in my own mind that the coins were heavily worn & not collectable. But the thought still churns my stomach.