Can ProofArtworkonCircs Herbert Hicks PCGS Now Recognizes his 1968 S Type F Washington Quarter Be Made Into Jewelry? A Crafter’s Guide

Not every coin deserves the jeweler’s torch. Let’s examine this piece’s metallic soul and structural bones to see if it’s worthy of becoming wearable history.

As a craftsman who breathes new life into forgotten pockets of history, I’ve learned that transforming coins into rings is alchemy – part metallurgy, part poetry. The recent chatter among collectors about Herbert Hicks’ 1968-S Type F Washington Quarter caught my attention. While numismatists debate die varieties and grading scales, we artisans face a different dilemma: Can this particular piece withstand the beautiful violence of rebirth as jewelry? Let’s dissect this silver-clad beauty’s physical merits and hidden charms to determine if it’s destined for display cases or daily wear.

Metal Matters: Silver Content & Structural Integrity

The 1968-S Washington Quarter stands at a crossroads in American coinage – the last gasp of silver before copper-nickel clad took over. But here’s where collectors’ eyes light up: not all quarters from this transitional era are created equal. We’re dealing with two distinct animals here:

Circulating 1968 Quarters (Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco mints) wear copper-nickel armor – essentially a copper core sandwiched in nickel alloy. They bend like cheap spoons, making them poor candidates for enduring jewelry.

Proof 1968-S Quarters whisper a different story. Between 1965-1970, the Mint crafted proofs on 40% silver planchets (with 60% copper backbone). This hybrid composition gives us the holy grail for ringcraft – structural integrity with artistic flexibility.

Why silver matters for your hammer and mandrel:

• Noble Character: Silver’s corrosion resistance means your creation won’t turn your finger green, even after years of wear. The warm patina it develops? Pure vintage charm.
• Artisan’s Playmate: At 40% silver, this alloy dances beautifully under the torch – soft enough to shape without cracking, yet firm enough to hold its form. Perfect for preserving those intricate proof details.
• Luster That Lasts: Unlike stark sterling silver, this blend ages gracefully. Its initial warmth deepens into a glow that complements the proof’s original mirror fields and frosted devices.

Design DNA: When Numismatic Nuance Meets Jewelry

Washington Quarters are ringmaking royalty, but the 1968-S Type F is the crown jewel. Its proof finish creates hypnotic depth when curved, while its die variety details offer collectors’ eyes a feast.

Obverse Alchemy (Heads):
Washington’s stern profile transforms under the jeweler’s touch. As you curve the coin, those mirror fields become liquid-metal ripples encircling frosty presidential relief. A master artisan can position the mint mark and date like hidden signatures – private nods to the coin’s provenance.

Reverse Revelations (Tails): Where Variety Becomes Virtue
This is where Type F earns its numismatic stripes and jewelry potential:

• Eagle’s Embrace: The weaker wing margins (compared to Type G) create elegant negative space – perfect for highlighting when curved into a band
• Botanical Whispers: That sharply pointed leaf fronting the arrows? It becomes a focal point when wrapped around your finger
• Serif Secrets: The distinctive serif on the “N” in “UNUM” transforms from collector’s marker to miniature artwork under magnification
• Ghostly “Q”: The subtle doubling inside the “Q” of “QUARTER” becomes a hidden Easter egg for fellow enthusiasts

Eye Appeal Multiplied:
When properly domed, the proof’s original contrast between mirror fields and frosted devices creates depth no stamped jewelry can match. The Type F’s specific quirks – from wing margins to lettering details – become conversation starters when worn.

Crafting Alchemy: Transforming Treasure

Working with 40% silver proofs demands respect for their numismatic value and structural personality. Here’s how the masters approach these silver gems:

1. Annealing Artistry: Heat until the metal blushes crimson, then quench – this ritual coaxes the alloy into pliable submission without sacrificing its soul
2. Forming Finesse: Gentle persuasion with rawhide mallets preserves delicate design elements. The eagle’s wingtips? They demand a surgeon’s touch
3. Finish Philosophy: Preserve original mint luster inside the band as a secret between wearer and metal. Polish the exterior to make frosted devices pop, or embrace a brushed finish for old-world charm
4. Patina Poetry: Liver of sulfur can shadow the recesses, making feathers and leaves leap into relief – particularly stunning on Type F’s distinctive features

Value Verdict: Collector’s Prize or Artisan’s Canvas?

With PCGS now recognizing the Type F (FS-901) in specialty proof sets, mint condition examples command serious premiums. Graded Proof-69 specimens? Leave those slabbed – their numismatic value outweighs their jewelry potential.

For Craftsmen: Seek raw proofs graded 60-65 – coins with impaired surfaces but intact structural integrity. These silver soldiers offer:

• Historic Weight: Herbert Hicks’ discovery gives your creation instant provenance
• Substance: 40% silver content means you’re forging wearable wealth
• Variety Virtue: Type F markers transform jewelry into a portable numismatic exhibit

Authentication Essential: Verify both proof status (look for mirrored fields) and Type F characteristics using Variety Vista or Heartland Coin Club references. Don’t trust – verify.

Conclusion: History You Can Wear

The 1968-S Type F Washington Quarter embodies numismatic fascination and artisan potential. Its 40% silver heart beats with just enough malleability for transformation, while its design details – from that telltale serifed “N” to the ethereal doubled “Q” – offer layers of discovery when curved into a band.

For collectors, it’s a rare variety worthy of preservation. For craftsmen, it’s a chance to liberate history from slabs and let it live on human hands. Whether preserved under glass or reborn as jewelry, this quarter proves some coins transcend their face value – becoming heirlooms that bridge numismatics and wearable art. The true mint mark? The legacy you create with it.

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