EVERYTHING you need TO KNOW
Handmade coin rings make beautiful gifts. If you’ve been considering coin rings but need information, this comprehensive buyer’s guide will give you all the information you need. Learn about what coin rings are, how they’re made, and what makes our company’s rings special in the guide below.
WHAT ARE coin rings?
Coin rings are just what they sound like: rings made out of coins. To create a coin ring, a coin is hand forged and reshaped to create a ring. This method keeps the original detail of the coin and displays that detail on the outside and inside of the coin.
That means a coin ring will have things like the year and special symbols. These rings are often used to commemorate special events. Coin rings have a rich history and versions of them have been created for generations.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY of coin rings?
People started creating coin rings during wartime and difficult economic situations. Many used these rings as wedding bands after each world war. Although these rings were first forged because of hardship, they became treasured family heirlooms.
Many men made coin rings in the trenches or on Navy ships. According to tradition, men made these rings by hitting the coins with a large silver spoon several thousand times.
They were also crafted in prison camps, where men struck coins for hours until the writing around the edge turned outward.
WHY WOULD you want a COIN RING?
There are many reasons why you might want to get a coin ring. These beautiful pieces can hold special meaning, making them the perfect gift. While the reasons for purchasing are unique to each buyer, the following are a few of the many reasons why people buy coin rings.
COMMEMORATE A BIRTH
Some people buy coin rings to commemorate a birth date. You can get a ring with your birth year or that of a child or grandchild. Since you can choose the year of the coin used for our coin rings, you can choose a year that has significant meaning to you and your family.
In many cultures, new mothers are given a “push present” as a token of affection shortly before or after the birth of their child. Coin rings make great gifts for women to mark the birth of their children, especially if it is their first child.
MARK AN ANNIVERSARY
People also buy coin rings to mark a special anniversary, like their wedding anniversary. Coin rings allow people to remember that year and memorialize its significance. Since coin rings can be used as wedding rings, this can be a beautiful and meaningful option for a couple’s wedding bands.
Coin rings also make great gifts for your partner on an anniversary. If you’re looking for more ideas on how to celebrate your anniversary during quarantine, check out our guide here.
HONOR A DECEASED LOVED ONE
Coin rings are a good way to remember a deceased loved one. You can select their birth year, the year they died, or another significant year in their life.
Memorial gifts are a common way to comfort someone who has recently gone through a significant loss. Coin rings make great memorial gifts.
If your loved one collected certain types of coins, specific coin faces may make a good option. While many of the other points emphasize your ability to choose the year on the coin ring, choosing a meaningful coin face may also make sense. For example, choosing a coin ring with Lady Liberty might be meaningful to remember someone who grew up in New York City.
CELEBRATE A STATE
You can also purchase coin rings to celebrate certain states. Choose the state you were born in, the state where you live now, or the state where a loved one resides. Special coin rings can help you celebrate the importance of that location in your life.
This can be an especially meaningful gift if you have a loved one moving out of state soon, such as a child leaving home to go to college. You can remind them of their home state, even when they live far away.
IT'S UNIQUE
One of the best things about coin rings is their uniqueness. If you’re interested in buying a unique gift for a loved one, coin rings are a great option. Even if you’re just shopping for something for your own collection, your new coin ring will stand out.
Coin rings can be passed down the children, grandchildren, and other heirs. They also make great conversation pieces, since people will be curious about your unique ring. If you’re a coin collector, coin rings can be one more way for you to display your enthusiasm for coin collecting.
GIFTS FOR A LOVED ONE
Coin rings make great gifts. Give them to a loved one for a holiday, their birthday, graduation, wedding, anniversary, and more. Custom coin rings with the year make a great gift for graduating seniors!
These are good gifts if you need something for the person who has everything. Choose specific years or symbols to further personalize the coin ring.
HOW ARE coin rings MADE?
Coin rings are made from real coins. We use specialized tools to create made-to-order rings. Below are the steps we take to create your coin ring.
STEP 1: WE CHOOSE A COIN FOR THE PROJECT
The first step happens before we even start forming the ring. We select the right coin for the project based on the purchased coin type and chosen year. Our coins are sourced from a reputable coin provider, ensuring the quality of the finished rings.
STEP 2: WE PUNCH A HOLE IN THE CENTER OF THE COIN
Once we choose the coin for the ring, we carefully punch a hole in the center. The size of the hole may vary slightly based on the size ring we’re trying to make. Even though we can resize the ring later one, carefully punching the hole is an important step.
STEP 3: WE CAREFULLY 'FOLD' THE COIN INTO THE DESIRED SHAPE
After that, we use specialty tools to carefully “fold” the coin into the desired shape. We do this carefully to ensure the coin’s detail isn’t lost or distorted in the process.
During this step, we make sure the coin is shaped into a ring shape with the coin’s images sitting where we want them to show on the finished product.
STEP 4: WE SIZE & SHAPE THE RING
Once that’s done, we use another specialty tool to make the ring fit your exact ring size. We also finish shaping it and make sure the edges are smooth.
The ring should be both beautiful and comfortable. This step ensures the look and feel of the finished ring.
STEP 5: WE POLISH & COAT THE RING
We carefully polish the ring to make sure the details look perfect. After the ring is polished, we coat it with Cerakote ceramic coating. This coating helps make the ring durable over time. We’re a certified Cerakote applicator, so this step is also handled in house.
Cerakote is a thin ceramic coating used to protect your ring when worn. Compared to other coatings, Cerakote offers both beauty and durability over time. Since the coating can be colored, we’re able to apply a gold or black coating to your ring. Without the coating, the details from the coin will wear down over time. If you plan to wear your ring often, this is an absolute must.
WHAT COINS make the best COIN RINGS?
In theory, any coin can be turned into a ring. However, some types of rings work better than others. There are two types of coins that make the best rings.
SILVER COINS
Silver coins are typically the best for coin rings because they forge easily and stand up against regular wear. Additionally, silver is hypoallergenic, making the finished ring comfortable for wearers with other metal allergies.
Older coins have a higher percentage of silver, so they often work better than new silver coins. When other metals are mixed in, they can be harder to forge.
PROOF COINS
Newer minted coins like proofs make great coin rings. These types of coins typically have higher detail images. This makes the finished rings stunning. Since proofs are made for a variety of different occasions, they offer more variety than other types of coins.
WHAT MAKES us different FROM OTHER COMPANIES?
There are lots of companies out there that sell coin rings. However, our products stand out from the crowd. Below are ten things that make us different from other companies.
OUR RINGS ARE MADE TO ORDER
We make your ring when you order it. That way the ring is made exactly how you want it made. We don’t carry an inventory of finished ring. Once you select your style, year, size, and coating color, our skilled artisans get to work making your coin ring.
That allows you more flexibility in choosing the right ring for you. Your choices won’t be subject to inventory availability because each ring will be made to your specifications.
WE HAND SELECT EACH COIN FROM A REPUTABLE COIN DEALER
You won’t get a poor quality ring made from a coin in rough condition. All our coins are selected for their condition and detail, ensuring a quality product every time you purchase.
Our coin provider has a large network. This helps us ensure that we get top quality coins to turn into rings. No matter how many rings are ordered, we can get the coins needed to complete the project. If you want specific years for your ring, our coin provider can help us track down hard-to-find years.
ALL OF OUR RINGS ARE CREATED IN-HOUSE
We don’t outsource any step of the process once the coins are in our possession. We handle every step of ring creation, from punching a hole in the coin to packaging your ring for shipping. This allows us to ensure quality at every step.
WE PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL
We make each ring carefully by using special tools to ensure the preservation of every detail on the coin. Each step of our process involves making sure everything looks its best. We believe that anything you wear should be made beautifully.
WE OFFER GOLD & BLACK PLATING
Most of our coins are silver, but that doesn’t mean you have to have a silver ring. We offer both gold and black plating. Choose the finish that best suits you. These options give you one more way to customize the ring to your liking.
This can be especially important if you want to get a coin ring to wear as a wedding band. Many couples prefer yellow gold instead of silver, and our plating options allow you to choose the finish you like best.
WE OFFER CONSULTATIONS WITH OUR ARTISANS IF YOU WANT SOMETHING DIFFERENT
You don’t have to be limited to the options on our website. If you want something different, you can call and speak to one of our coin artisans. Talk through options to help the artisan create something truly unique.
WE COAT RINGS IN CERAKOTE TO INCREASE DURABILITY
When uncoated, silver rings will wear down over time. That means the beautiful detail of the coin will be lost over time. However, we use Cerakote coating to preserve the detail and increase the durability of your ring.
As a certified applicator of Cerakote coating, we make sure your ring looks just as beautiful throughout the years as it was on the day you bought it.
YOU CAN REQUEST CERTAIN YEAR COINS
We take requests for certain year coin rings. If you want a particular year to commemorate an event like a birth of anniversary, our coin rings are a fantastic option. Most other coin ring providers do not allow you to choose specific years for your coin ring.
The only limitation is availability. Some coins were only produced during a certain period, so those years are the only ones available for purchase. Each coin design’s listing includes information about what years a coin was minted. This will help you find out what years are an option for each coin type.
WE OFFER A FREE RING SIZER
Figuring out your ring size is an important step when you purchase a ring. We offer a free ring sizer to help you choose the right ring for you. This helps you take the guesswork out of choosing a ring.
WE CAN RESIZE YOUR RING
Ring sizes change over time. If you need your ring size changed, we can resize our coin rings. This is good assurance if you want to surprise something with a ring size but aren’t entirely sure what size ring they wear.
This also allows you to wear your ring for years to come. Ring sizes can change if you gain or lose a lot of weight. The flexibility we offer by resizing rings allows you to enjoy your purchase, even if your body changes.
HOW TO CHOOSE the best ring FOR YOU?
Once you decide that you want a coin ring, you’ll need to determine which coin ring is right for you. Below is some key information to help you make your decision. Consider these five things before purchasing a coin ring.
DETERMINE YOUR RING SIZE
One of the most important pieces of information you need before buying a ring is your ring size. We offer a free ring sizer to help you find out what size ring you need to purchase.
If you don’t want to wait for our ring sizer to arrive, you can go to your local jeweler and have them size your finger. You can also go online and print off a ring sizer that you can wrap around your finger. This lets you find out your ring size quickly and easily.
CHOOSE BETWEEN A THIN OR A WIDE BAND
Figure out whether you’d like a thin or wide band on your ring. While thin rings can look dainty and delicate, wide bands can show off more of the coin’s pattern.
When choosing a new ring, consider what types of rings you’ve worn in the past. This can help you choose a ring consistent with your personal style.
CONSIDER YEARS, COINS OR SYMBOLS THAT HAVE SPECIAL MEANING
Is there a certain coin, symbol, or year that means something special to you? If you’re getting a ring with a certain year, what year is meaningful to you?
It’s important to carefully consider these things before settling on a ring. If you’re purchasing a ring to commemorate something, it’s important to pick a ring that best represents the event or person you’re commemorating. In the section below, we’ll explain the history behind the different coin ring options. This will help you choose the right one for you.
CONSIDER HOW OFTEN YOU'LL BE WEARING THE RING
Will you wear the ring all the time or only on special occasions? How you’ll wear the ring is an important factor to help you select the right ring. What you wear on special occasions might be different than what you’d want to wear every day.
If you’re choosing a ring to wear every day, choose a style and coating that will fit your personal style. We offer silver, gold, and black colored rings to give you more versatility than other coin rings.
CONSIDER YOUR OVERALL JEWELRY COLLECTION
Once you know how often you plan to wear the ring, you can consider your overall jewelry collection. Coin rings make a great addition to jewelry collections, especially since they’re so unique.
If you need more information about how to build a jewelry collection, we have a comprehensive guide on the topic here.
CHOOSING THE right coin FOR YOUR COIN RING
We offer several different options for your coin ring. The information below is a short history of each coin used in our custom coin rings. You can use that information to choose the perfect coin for you.
JFK HALF DOLLAR
The JFK Half Dollar, also called a Kennedy Half Dollar, was first minted in 1964 after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. One side of the half dollar features the late president’s profile, while the other half features a modified version of the presidential seal.
When the coin was first released, many hoarded the coin as a memorial to the late president. However, the coin is still in circulation to this day.
When choosing this coin for your coin ring, you’re free to choose any year between 1964 and the present, as the coin is still being minted today.
BEN FRANKLIN HALF DOLLAR
The Ben Franklin Half dollar is a coin that was minted between 1948 and 1963. On the front side of the coin is a profile of Benjamin Franklin. The backside of this coin features the Liberty Bell.
Before the coin was released, mint director Nellie Tayloe Ross admired Franklin and wanted to depict him on a coin. She commissioned the creation of a half dollar design, which was later released in 1948.
The coin came with some controversy, as the engraver John R. Sinnock included his initials in the design. However, outraged citizens believed that the initials “JRS” were referring to Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin (although his middle name did not start with “R”). When choosing this coin for a custom coin ring, keep in mind that you can only choose years between 1948 and 1963, since the coin was discontinued in 1963.
COLUMBIAN HALF DOLLAR
The Columbian Exposition Half Dollar was minted from 1892 to 1893. This commemorative coin was minted to raise funds for the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. It also marks the four-hundredth anniversary of the first voyage of Christopher Columbus to the Americas. The silver coin displays Columbus’ portrait on the front side, with two globes and the Santa Maria on the back.
About five million of these coins were minted in 1892 and 1893. Because this went beyond the demand for the coins, half of them were later melted. Fewer than 400,000 of the coins sold and the remaining two million were released into circulation.
They are great collector’s items and make beautiful rings. However, you can only get 1892 or 1893 for coin rings made with this coin, since those are the only years it was minted.
LINCOLN COMMEMORATIVE PROOF
The Lincoln Commemorative Silver Dollar was released in 2009, the only year it was minted. This coin was released to honor the 200th anniversary of President Lincoln’s birth.
The silver dollar bears the image of President Lincoln on one side and the last 43 words of the Gettysburg Address on the back, surrounded by a laurel wreath.
When the coin was minted, the treasury released 450,000 of the silver dollar proofs. The coin honors the president and the great leaps he took for the well-being of all Americans during his presidency.
Like all coin rings, rings made with this coin make an amazing gift. Because President Lincoln is an icon of strength and resilience, this ring makes a great gift for someone who carries these same traits.
SILVER BUFFALO NICKEL
The Buffalo Nickel, sometimes called the Indian Head Nickel, is a nickel minted from 1913 to 1938. This design was commissioned by the Taft administration in an effort to replace the Barber Liberty Head design with something more visually appealing. James Earle Frasier, the designer of this coin, created a nickel design featuring a Native American and an American bison.
When the coin’s design was approved in 1912, there were some issues in the minting process. The company hired to mint the coins was unhappy with some of the design changes. However, in 1913 the coins were issued despite objections by the Hobbs Manufacturing Company.
Because the dates were easily worn away during circulation, the design was replaced in 1938 with the Jefferson Nickel. Coin rings with this design can have your choice of dates between 1913 and 1938.
AMERICAN SILVER EAGLE
The American Silver Eagle Bullion Coin was released from the United States Mint in 1986. In addition to the bullion version of the coin, a proof version and an uncirculated version were released.
Some say it is one of the most beautiful coins ever minted, with Lady Liberty on the front and an eagle on the back.
A ring made with this coin is a great gift for anyone who wants to share their pride for the United States. The coin itself perfectly embodies the heights of American symbolism, making it a great option for your patriotic loved one.
If you’re purchasing a gift for a veteran, this coin is a great choice. When choosing this ring, you can select any year between 1986 and the present.
MORGAN SILVER DOLLAR
The Morgan Silver Dollar was minted from 1878 to 1904 and 1921. It was re-released as a special non-circulating coin in 2021. The dollar is named after its designer, engraver George T. Morgan. One on side of the coin is a profile portrait of Lady Liberty, with an eagle on the reverse side.
The United States government approved the purchase of silver bullion, stating that it would be minted into silver dollars. Once the silver bullion reserves were depleted in 1904, the Morgan Silver Dollar was discontinued. After the Pittman Act was passed in 1918, Morgan Silver Dollars were minted again in 1921 for one year only.
When choosing the Morgan Silver Dollar for your coin ring, you can choose from any year between 1878 and 1904. This patriotic design is yet another solid choice for the veteran in your life.
BARBER SILVER DOLLAR
The Barber Silver Dollar is one of the minted pieces in the Barber coinage collection. The silver dollar coins were designed by Charles E. Barber and minted between 1892 and 1904. Other coins in the set were minted through 1916. Mint Director Edward O.
Leech ordered a competition to determine the look of the new coins. However, artists refused to participate since only the winner would win the cash prize.
When Barber’s new design was approved, it was minted and distributed. The front of the coin has a profile of Lady Liberty and the back has an eagle. This little piece of history is a great option for your coin ring, although you can only select years between 1892 and 1904.
BARBER SILVER HALF DOLLAR
The Barber Silver Half Dollar is another coin minted as part of the Barber collection. This coin was minted from 1892 to 1915. Like the Barber Silver Dollar, this coin was designed by Charles E. Barber and features Lady Liberty on one side and an eagle on the other.
Just like the Barber Silver Dollar, the Barber Silver Half Dollar has a rich history. It is a great option if you’re choosing a coin ring for a loved one who takes great pride in their country. You can choose any year between 1892 and 1915 for your custom ring.
WALKING LIBERTY SILVER HALF DOLLAR
The Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollar was designed by Adolph A Weinman and minted from 1916 to 1947. Mint Director Robert W. Woolley believed it was required (instead of merely allowed) to replace the coin design every 25 years, so he began replacing the Barber-designed coins.
He convinced the Commission of Fine Arts to run a competition, which resulted in Weinman winning the bid to design the new dime and half dollar.
The coin features Lady Liberty walking toward the sun on one side and an American eagle on the other. The coin was minted from 1916 to 1947, giving you plenty of choices when picking a year for your custom ring. This historic piece has deep, patriotic roots. That makes this a great option for the patriotic person in your life.
LARGE COPPER CENT
The Large Copper Cent was minted from 1793 to 1857 and made of nearly pure copper. The front side of this coin is a profile of Lady Liberty. Several variations of the large cent were created. In some version, Lady Liberty has flowing hair. In others, she wears a liberty cap. Some versions of the coin also feature draped cloth over her bust.
No matter which year you choose for this custom ring, it’s a stunning piece of history. You can proudly display your patriotic pride by wearing a ring with Lady Liberty on it.
This is the only copper ring we use for coin rings. Although copper is notorious for turning skin green the Cerakote coating will help prevent this from happening for some time when you wear your ring.
COIN RINGS frequently asked questions
WILL COIN RINGS TURN MY FINGER GREEN?
Our coin rings will not turn your finger green. Skin turns green when it comes into contact with copper. Since we use silver coins to make our rings, your finger will not turn green after wearing your new coin ring.
The only exception is our large copper cent. While copper does turn skin green, the Cerakote coating will prevent our rings from changing the color of your skin.
WHAT IS CERAKOTE?
Cerakote is a thin, ceramic coating used to protect the surfaces of our coin rings. It both enhances the appearance of the ring and protects it from regular wear. Without a protective coating, the coin rings will lose design definition over time.
We are a certified applicator of Cerakote coating. That means your ring will have a beautiful and functional coating that stands up against the test of time.
IS IT AGAINST THE LAW TO MAKE A COIN RING?
It’s a common misconception that products made from coins are illegal. The laws (in the United States) about defacing money apply to defacing money in an attempt to defraud. For example, defacing paper bills to make them look like more expensive paper bills is illegal.
Making jewelry with rings is not illegal. You can rest assured that your coin ring won’t get you into hot water!
WHAT COIN MAKES THE BEST RING?
Silver coins make the best coin rings. Coin “proofs” also make great rings, since these newer minted coins often have more detail. Silver coins are easy to forge and hold their detail well over time, especially when protective coating is applied.
CAN I GET THE COIN PLATED IN A DIFFERENT COLOR?
If you don’t want a silver ring, you can get plating in either gold or black. This allows you to enjoy the quality of a silver ring with an appearance that best fits your personal style.
ARE COIN RINGS EXPENSIVE?
No, coin rings are not expensive. Our coin rings start at $250. Most of our coin rings are under $400!
CAN I GET A COIN IN MY BIRTH YEAR?
Yes! We allow you to choose the year you want on your coin ring. You can choose your birth year or other significant year for your ring. However, some designs may be limited based on the years the coins were minted.
For example, the JFK Half Dollar has been available from 1964 to the present. That means you can choose any year within that range. You cannot get the design with a year before 1964 because this coin did not exist during that time. Each coin ring listing will detail what years are available to help you make an informed decision.
DO COIN RINGS MAKE GREAT GIFTS?
Coin rings make great gifts because they’re unique and interesting. If you’re looking for a unique gift, these rings are a good option. You can choose a specific year or design to create a meaningful gift for your loved one.
A LONGSTANDING TRADITION with a modern twist
Handmade coin rings are a longstanding tradition that started generations ago during wartime. They’re made by carefully manipulating coins until they form a ring shape.
Our coin ring process involves forming the ring and coating it with Cerakote coating to preserve the design and increase the ring’s durability. If you want a unique gift or a great conversation starter, our coin rings are for you!
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November 10, 2021 by Conor Daniels