Posted 11 years ago
stwillia76
(137 items)
Really don't know what to think about this find. It looks like a figure of Lenin. But look at the back. Does it look like some kind of US Gold Coin that this pin was somehow made from? It this strange? Has anyone seen anything like it?
Not Lenin nor is it cccp propaganda.
Your COIN is a British Penny or Half Penny from 1902. The man on it is KING Edward VII.
Turning coins into jewelry was a way to use idle time and make a souvenir. It is often done with silver coins to make jewelry and many of this type were made during WW1 and WW2.
I don't know the intended purpose of your pin, but the latch connection would certainly indicate it was made in the first quarter of the 20th century.
scott
beautiful pin!!
Great that is good to know. So could be be some kind of trench art? Should have known Lenin didn't have a full beard, lol. So they basically cut out the the coin. Look at the front of the coin. It has some very detailed carving work.
I wouldn't call it "trench art" since it is not made out of war refuse.
I would call it a souvenir pin. I don't know the intent. It could have been made by a UK soldier, but I don't see any symbology to confirm.
The engraving on the front is well done.
scott
Here is a 1940s example using a silver coin:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/70173-ww2-souvenir-sterling-sweetheart-jewelry
This type of souvenir was popular among US troops serving in the Pacific theater. I have several examples posted on CW.
scott