An unusual numismatic Christmas present

Most of my coins end up in quick-slabs or floating display cases after they arrive, but the Venetian Grosso I presented some days earlier was always destined for a much different use. As coins have always had either sacred or artistic themes, people often resorted to turning them into jewelry. In the ancient times they simply drilled a hole in the coin, and even though this is hopefully not happening any more, I was surprised to find out that using ancient coins as jewelry is still common to this day. This gave me food for thought as me and my partner are both practicing Christians and there are plenty of coins with Christian themes or portraits of Jesus. I reckoned it would make a nice Christmas present for her and maybe she would get to appreciate my hobby a bit more.

However I was instantly aware that it would probably be morally questionable to risk damaging any ancient coin no matter how common it is. I vowed that I wouldn't even entertain the thought unless I could find a way that it would do no damage whatsoever to the coin. Jokingly, I thought how convenient would be to wear a coin capsule round your neck, and then it hit me! How about a locket? They are no different from a capsule, and instead of holding floating charms maybe they could hold a coin instead. There are ready made ancient coin pendant-type examples available from some jewelers, but they are usually the bezel type which can still damage a coin at the points of contact, not to mention that they are ridiculously expensive. I decided to experiment on my own by getting ready-made materials and a suitable coin, and if the outcome was attractive and safe for the coin, I would go ahead with it. Here is what I ended up with:



The end result seems acceptable to me. The environment of the coin is hardly any different from a coin capsule as it is contained within a metal and glass locket, and in total it cost me a little over £100 including the coin. The locket is an affordable mass-produced one of similar size to the Grosso. The black bits that give it a snug fit and prevent the coin from rattling or touching the inner surfaces of the locket are cut pieces of the anti-toning foam-ring that you find in some fancy coin capsules. Can you think of any potential long term damage to the coin in this set up? Also, is it attractive? I am the kind of clueless guy that may wear white socks with black shoes, so I hope this is a likable gift. I have no idea if she will like it, or even if she will chose to wear it occasionally, but the fun thing is that all I have to do is simply take the coin out of the locket and back into a quick-slab. It is totally reversible.

So, what do you think?

 

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I think it's a great idea. It looks very nice. Should be a good conversation starter.

I think my wife would appreciate a gift like that.

John

 

I like the way you've protected it. And be able to have it "used."

Over the past couple of years I've collected several Norwegian classic commemorative coins that were made into jewelry pieces. I wish those who did it would have been as thoughtful and careful as you.

Steve

 

I really like the setting process.

 

You have done a marvelous deed with that coin and a long time from now folks will gaze at this coin and wonder who was the person who so mounted it and why with such loving care.

 

Hi @Only a Poor Old Man,

Congratulations, she should love it. Can we see the backside?

 

You have struck upon a great method for protection and display. Great idea. Now, if only you could patent protect.

 

Excellent idea, and execution! You're inspiring us all to do something similar. Very cool!

 

I think that you did a beautiful job and she will love the gesture. I am wondering if the creepy-looking figure on the coin is Jesus?!

 

Bet your not lacking for love in your home, very affectionate and loving gift, you devil you! Be safe and happy holidays to all...

 

I acquired a few years ago a Byzantine solidus - Constantine V!! -700 AD (?) with an outstanding image of Christ on the front. Recently I discovered you can purchase over the internet a silver necklace (use standard dime size) very inexpensively and the solidus fits like a charm.

 

Magnificent, @Only a Poor Old Man! Brilliant solution.

 

Thank you all, I think that the general consensus is that it looks nice! I am glad that I didn't create a monstrosity. It wasn't a groundbreaking invention or something, it is just a coin in a locket, but it works nicely. I think the trick is to get a good match of the locket/coin sizes. A more upmarket version would be a solidus which is pretty much the same size, but in that case it would be more suited to a real silver/platinum locket with some decent stones around it. That would look magnificent, but I don't have the budget or the courage for such a thing. Hopefully she will like this present

 

How about a photo on Christmas Day if that’s when you’ll be giving it to her?

Steve

 

Incredible. Very cool.

Z

 

I see it's an excellent idea and dear personal gift from only a sensitive man of art and great taste. She's lucky. Congrats..

 

...Just, Stuff!
(Most Americans speak English as a second language. Most of those, in turn, do so in the absence of a first one. Depending on the sub-demographic you're looking at, that can inhabit the sphere either of comedy or tragedy. ...Or both.)

 

This is much, much better than the coin mounts that touch the edges and leave the faces of the coin exposed to uneven wear. I used one of them (quarter size) to mount a one sided Magnentius junker for my wife many years ago. She still wears it on special occasions (rare this year!) so I don't get the coin back. Unfortunately the coin turned out to be a one of a kind unlisted but, fortunately, it is barbarous just copying a Siscia mint coin that does not exist. I will never remove it so I'll never know how badly it suffered from the experience. Neither will I know if it finds another owner who knows why I am sorry I mounted it.

 

How could she not Love it?

 

Well, I gave it! I think she liked it. She said she liked it and she also said that it is different... Hopefully the good kind of 'different'