1958-D Lincoln Cent: A Coin Ring Artisan’s Perspective on Metal and Craftsmanship

Introduction: Not Every Coin Makes a Good Ring

As a coin ring artisan, I’m often asked whether a particular coin would make a good candidate for jewelry crafting. Today, we’re examining a 1958-D Lincoln Cent – a coin that presents both opportunities and challenges for the creative jeweler. While many collectors might overlook this common date, let’s explore what makes it potentially suitable (or not) for transforming into a unique piece of wearable art.

Understanding the Metal Composition

The 1958-D Lincoln Cent is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. This bronze composition offers several advantages for jewelry making:

• Durability: Copper-based alloys are known for their strength and resistance to wear, making them excellent for rings that will be worn regularly
• Malleability: The metal can be worked and shaped without cracking, essential for the ring-making process
• Patina development: Over time, copper alloys develop a beautiful natural patina that many wearers appreciate

Assessing the Design Elements

The Lincoln Cent features Abraham Lincoln’s profile on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse (introduced in 1959, so this 1958 example shows the wheat ears design). When crafting a ring, these design elements become particularly important:

The wheat ears design of the 1958-D offers a more organic, flowing pattern compared to the later Memorial reverse, which can create a more aesthetically pleasing ring when the design wraps around the finger.

Visual Appeal for Jewelry

The coin’s condition appears to be in circulated state, which actually works well for ring making. The natural wear gives the piece character and ensures that the design elements won’t be lost during the crafting process. The raised relief of Lincoln’s profile and the wheat stalks provide excellent texture and visual interest when transformed into a ring.

Metal Hardness and Workability

Copper alloys like those used in the Lincoln Cent have a Rockwell hardness of approximately 60-70 on the B scale. This hardness level is ideal for ring making because:

• The metal is soft enough to shape without specialized equipment
• It maintains its form once shaped, ensuring the ring keeps its circular structure
• The metal can be annealed (softened through heating) multiple times during the crafting process if needed

Common Doubling: A Unique Feature or Flaw?

Forum members noted what appears to be “machine doubling” or “die deterioration doubling” on this particular specimen. While this typically reduces a coin’s numismatic value, it can actually add character to a piece of jewelry:

• The doubled elements create additional texture and visual complexity
• These imperfections make each ring unique, as no two coins with doubling will show the effect in exactly the same way
• The doubling can catch light differently, adding sparkle and interest to the finished piece

Practical Considerations for Ring Making

For those interested in crafting this coin into a ring, here are some practical considerations:

1. The 19mm diameter of the cent will create a ring approximately size 10-11, depending on the width of the band you choose to make
2. The copper content means the ring will develop a natural patina over time – some wearers love this, others prefer to maintain the original shine
3. Copper can react with skin chemistry, potentially causing green discoloration on some wearers – a clear coating can prevent this if desired

Value Beyond Numismatics

While the forum consensus suggests this coin has minimal numismatic value (perhaps 25 cents to a dollar), its value as a crafting material is significant:

“Worth maybe 25 cents retail. Maybe a buck if you can find anyone who finds the strike doubling interesting” – but as jewelry, its worth is in its uniqueness and the craftsmanship applied to it.

Why This Coin Works for Crafting

The 1958-D Lincoln Cent represents an excellent balance of qualities for jewelry making:

• Readily available and affordable, allowing for experimentation
• Durable metal composition suitable for daily wear
• Classic design with historical significance
• Natural wear patterns that add character rather than detract from the piece

Conclusion: Crafting Potential Realized

While numismatists might dismiss the 1958-D Lincoln Cent as common and of minimal value, coin ring artisans see potential where others see only pocket change. The metal composition, workability, and classic design make this an excellent candidate for transformation into a unique piece of jewelry. The machine doubling, rather than being a flaw, becomes a feature that ensures each ring crafted from such a coin is truly one-of-a-kind.

For the collector-turned-crafter, this coin represents an accessible entry point into the world of coin jewelry making. Its durability ensures the finished piece will last, while its historical significance connects the wearer to a piece of American heritage. Sometimes, the true value of a coin isn’t in its rarity or grade, but in the creativity and craftsmanship it inspires.

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