My Exploration of ‘Kind of a Coin’ Keepsakes

I’ve always loved how coins can become meaningful gifts. Recently, I spent some time tracking down affordable, personalized coin keepsakes for graduations and other milestones. This whole journey started when a friend needed 35 coin-based gifts at roughly $4 each—which really made me think about the practical side and numismatic possibilities.

The Sourcing Adventure

Finding trustworthy suppliers for these ‘almost coins’ proved more challenging than I anticipated. Many sources, especially specialized engravers, come and go. Some talented hobo nickel artists have disappeared from the scene, while others like Cindy Calhoun have stepped up. She now leads The Elongated Cent Collectors group and creates custom elongated coins perfect for personalization. Bulk orders can save money, but it takes patience and research. Here’s what worked for me:

• Look at Etsy sellers offering laser-engraved coins—they often do custom work at good prices
• Search locally for “laser engraving near me”—many shops can transform coins into unique jewelry
• Consider aluminum dog tags if coin supplies run low—they’re budget-friendly and easy to customize

DIY Fun for Crafty Collectors

If you enjoy hands-on projects like I do, there are wallet-friendly ways to create these keepsakes myself. Through trial and error, I discovered simple tools can deliver nice results:

• Fine-point Sharpies work for temporary designs—just seal them with clear enamel spray
• For permanent etching, try a soldering pen on copper cents (zinc pennies don’t hold up well)
• Always use a magnifying glass—it’s essential for small details like engravings

Yes, some might call this post-mint damage, but it’s a great way to turn common coins into personal jewelry without spending much.

What’s Happening in the Coin World

This project reminded me of broader collecting trends. There’s talk about possibly returning to copper cents since zinc versions are less popular and harder to modify. Pocket pieces remain favorites—I’ve carried coins like that 2025 example for years, starting in AU condition, and they make wonderful gifts. If this is truly the last year for certain cent mintages, creating keepsakes now could add historical significance. Elongated coins are also gaining traction as exonumia, blending art and collecting in ways that attract both numismatists and gift-givers.

Parting Advice from My Workbench

Creating these ‘almost coin’ gifts has been deeply satisfying for this collector. My biggest lesson? Begin early, explore both online and local resources, and embrace DIY if funds are tight. Stick to copper coins for engraving—they handle better—and never compromise on quality. Whether for graduations or your own collection, these projects show how coins transcend cash value. They become tangible pieces of memory you can hold in your hand.