Can 1885-O Morgan VAM ‘Belly Button’ Be Made Into Jewelry? A Crafter’s Guide

Understanding the 1885-O Morgan ‘Belly Button’ Variety

As a passionate coin collector and jewelry maker, I’m excited to share my insights on whether this distinctive 1885-O Morgan dollar with its famous “belly button” feature makes a good candidate for crafting into rings.

Metal Composition and Durability

The 1885-O Morgan dollar contains 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it a total silver weight of 0.77344 troy ounces. This sterling silver composition provides excellent durability for jewelry applications. The copper content adds necessary hardness that helps the coin maintain its shape during the ring-making process.

For ring crafting, I look for coins with sufficient metal hardness that won’t crack or deform excessively during forming. The Morgan dollar’s alloy strikes an ideal balance – soft enough to work with hand tools yet hard enough to hold its shape. The 1885-O variety, being from the New Orleans mint, typically shows good striking quality that translates well to jewelry applications.

The ‘Belly Button’ Feature: Aesthetic Considerations

The distinctive “belly button” on this variety creates a recessed area on the eagle’s breast. From a crafting perspective, this die anomaly presents both opportunities and challenges. The dimpled area can create interesting visual depth when incorporated into a ring design, particularly if positioned to catch light at certain angles.

However, this feature also means the coin has a slightly uneven surface thickness. When forming a ring, this could result in subtle variations in the final product’s thickness. For collectors who appreciate the unique character of error varieties, this adds charm. For those seeking perfectly uniform rings, it might be less desirable.

Design Details and Crafting Potential

Obverse Elements

The obverse features Lady Liberty in profile wearing a Phrygian cap with cotton and wheat in a crown. The intricate hair details and coronet provide excellent texture opportunities for ring crafting. The date (1885) and mint mark (O) are well-positioned for various ring styles.

Reverse Elements

The reverse showcases a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, olive branch, and arrows. The eagle’s breast with the “belly button” becomes a focal point. The surrounding wreath and motto details offer additional design elements that can be highlighted or incorporated into the ring’s final appearance.

Color and Patina Considerations

Several collectors in the discussion noted the “nice coloring” on their specimens. This toning can range from light golden hues to deeper iridescent shades. For jewelry making, I prefer coins with even, attractive toning as it adds character to the finished piece. The 1885-O often develops pleasing patina due to its age and silver content.

When crafting rings from toned coins, I take care to preserve the natural coloration. The toning process creates a protective layer on the silver surface, which can actually enhance the ring’s durability and visual appeal over time.

Practical Crafting Assessment

Ring Size Potential

The 38.1mm diameter of the Morgan dollar provides excellent material for creating rings in sizes 8-15, depending on the width and style chosen. The coin’s thickness (2.4mm) offers sufficient metal for substantial, durable rings.

Working Characteristics

Based on the striking characteristics described in the discussion, most 1885-O Morgans strike relatively well, though some show weakness at the centers. For ring making, coins with stronger strikes generally produce cleaner, more detailed final products. The “belly button” variety tends to have consistent die cracks, which means finding suitable specimens with good overall detail is quite feasible.

Tooling Considerations

The copper content in the alloy means standard silver-working tools are appropriate. I recommend using leather mallets and ring-forming mandrels to preserve the coin’s details during shaping. The “belly button” area may require slightly gentler handling to prevent stress cracks.

Historical Context and Value

This particular variety (VAM-24) represents an interesting chapter in Morgan dollar production. The “belly button” error occurred due to metal not filling the deepest portion of the die during striking. Understanding this history adds meaning to pieces crafted from these coins.

While common in circulated grades, finding an 1885-O with the “belly button” feature in good condition adds both historical interest and potential value to crafted items. The abundance of this date in mint state (estimated 2.5-3.5 million in MS-60-62) means crafters can often find suitable specimens without excessive cost.

Authentication and Selection Tips

When selecting an 1885-O for jewelry making, look for these key markers:

• Clear “belly button” depression on the eagle’s breast
• Consistent die crack from the left star to above the ‘U’ in ‘PLURIBUS’
• Well-defined mint mark position
• Even wear patterns if circulated
• Attractive, natural toning if present

Conclusion

The 1885-O Morgan ‘Belly Button’ variety offers excellent potential for jewelry crafting. Its 90% silver composition provides the right balance of workability and durability, while the distinctive die anomaly adds character and conversation-starting appeal to finished pieces. The abundance of this date in the marketplace makes it accessible to crafters, and its historical significance adds depth to any creation.

For ring makers specifically, this coin provides ample material for substantial, durable rings with interesting visual elements. The ‘belly button’ feature creates a unique focal point that distinguishes these pieces from those made with standard Morgans. Whether you’re crafting for personal use or creating pieces for collectors who appreciate error varieties, the 1885-O ‘Belly Button’ Morgan represents an outstanding choice that combines historical interest with practical crafting potential.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

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