Can 1964D Lincoln Penny Be Made Into Jewelry? A Crafter’s Guide

Introduction: The Crafting Potential of a 1964D Lincoln Penny

Not every coin is suitable for crafting. Let’s look at the metal composition and durability of this piece for jewelry making. As a coin ring artisan, I’m often asked about transforming everyday coins into wearable art. The 1964D Lincoln Penny presents an interesting case study in crafting potential, combining historical significance with practical considerations for jewelry creation.

Understanding the Metal Composition

The 1964D Lincoln Penny is composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc, making it distinctly different from silver coins that many jewelers prefer. This copper composition gives the coin its characteristic reddish appearance, which the original poster noted as “super red” in their photos. The high copper content means the coin has excellent malleability, making it relatively easy to work with when creating rings or other jewelry pieces.

Copper’s natural properties make it both a blessing and a challenge for jewelry crafting. The metal is soft enough to be shaped without specialized equipment, but it also tarnishes over time, developing a patina that some wearers find appealing while others might not. This natural aging process can actually enhance the aesthetic appeal of copper jewelry, giving each piece a unique character that evolves with wear.

Metal Hardness and Durability

With a Mohs hardness of approximately 3.0, copper is significantly softer than silver (2.5-3.0) or gold (2.5-3.0), but harder than aluminum (2.75). This means the 1964D penny can be shaped and formed relatively easily, but it may also be more prone to scratches and dents compared to precious metal coins. For ring making, this requires careful consideration of the wearer’s lifestyle and how the piece will be used.

The zinc content in the alloy adds some structural integrity to the coin, preventing it from being too soft or brittle during the crafting process. This balanced composition makes the 1964D penny an excellent choice for beginners learning coin ring techniques, as it responds well to hammering, annealing, and shaping without cracking or splitting.

Design Details and Aesthetic Appeal

The Lincoln cent design, created by Victor David Brenner, features Abraham Lincoln’s profile on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse for coins minted from 1959 to 2008. The 1964D penny showcases this classic design with exceptional detail, particularly in well-preserved specimens. The “super red” coloration mentioned by the original poster indicates a coin that has been well-preserved and protected from environmental factors that typically cause copper to darken.

When crafting jewelry from this coin, the design elements can be highlighted or incorporated in various ways. The profile of Lincoln can become a focal point on a ring’s face, while the memorial building on the reverse can create interesting textural elements when the coin is shaped. The year “1964” and the “D” mint mark (indicating the Denver mint) add historical context that many wearers appreciate.

Color and Patina Development

The natural copper color of the 1964D penny offers a warm, reddish-brown aesthetic that stands out from traditional silver or gold jewelry. Over time, exposure to air, moisture, and skin oils will cause the copper to develop a patina ranging from dark brown to green, depending on environmental conditions. This natural aging process can be accelerated or controlled through various finishing techniques, allowing artisans to create pieces with specific aesthetic goals.

For jewelry applications, the coin’s original bright red appearance can be preserved through lacquering or other protective coatings, maintaining the vibrant copper color. Alternatively, allowing the natural patina to develop creates a more rustic, vintage appearance that many collectors and wearers find appealing.

Practical Considerations for Jewelry Making

Size and Thickness

The Lincoln penny has a diameter of 19.05mm and a thickness of 1.55mm, making it an ideal size for most ring sizes when properly shaped. The relatively thin profile means less metal to work with, but also makes the crafting process more manageable for beginners. The coin’s size also makes it suitable for other jewelry applications, such as pendants, earrings, or bracelet components.

Working Techniques

Copper coins like the 1964D penny respond well to traditional coin ring techniques, including the fold-and-form method, where the coin is gradually shaped over a mandrel using specialized tools. The metal’s malleability allows for smooth bends and curves without the risk of cracking that can occur with harder metals. However, the softness also means that careful annealing (heating to soften the metal) is essential to prevent work hardening and potential splitting during the shaping process.

The coin’s copper composition also means it can be easily soldered, engraved, or combined with other metals to create mixed-metal pieces. This versatility opens up numerous design possibilities for creative artisans looking to incorporate historical elements into contemporary jewelry designs.

Historical Context and Value

The 1964 Production Year

The year 1964 was significant in American history, marking the height of the Civil Rights Movement and the beginning of major social changes. Creating jewelry from coins minted in this year adds a layer of historical significance to each piece, connecting the wearer to a pivotal moment in American history through wearable art.

Mint Mark Significance

The “D” mint mark indicates this particular penny was produced at the Denver Mint. While not particularly rare or valuable in numismatic terms (as several forum participants noted, it’s “worth one cent” in face value), the Denver mint mark adds specificity to the coin’s origin story. For jewelry collectors, knowing the exact mint location can add to the piece’s appeal and story.

The forum discussion revealed that this 1964D penny is considered a “normal cent” with no exceptional numismatic value beyond its copper content. However, this doesn’t diminish its potential as a crafting material. In fact, the coin’s common availability and low monetary value make it an excellent choice for practicing jewelry-making techniques without risking valuable collectibles.

Display and Preservation Options

Traditional Storage vs. Wearable Art

While several forum members suggested traditional storage options like Whitman folders or tri-fold displays, transforming the coin into jewelry creates a different kind of preservation. Instead of storing the coin away, jewelry-making allows it to be appreciated and enjoyed regularly while still maintaining its historical integrity.

The suggestion to “put it in a tri folder” represents the traditional numismatic approach, but crafting the coin into jewelry represents a different philosophy of preservation through use and appreciation. Both approaches have merit, depending on the collector’s goals and the coin’s condition.

Conclusion: Crafting Potential Realized

The 1964D Lincoln Penny offers excellent potential for jewelry crafting, combining historical significance with practical working properties. Its copper composition provides the right balance of malleability and durability for creating beautiful, wearable pieces that honor both the coin’s history and the artisan’s creativity. While it may not have exceptional numismatic value, its crafting potential makes it a valuable material for jewelry makers looking to create unique, historically-inspired pieces.

Whether you’re a beginner learning coin ring techniques or an experienced artisan looking for interesting materials, the 1964D penny represents an accessible and rewarding option. Its warm copper color, detailed design, and historical context combine to create jewelry pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful, proving that sometimes the most ordinary coins can become extraordinary works of art.

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