Can Ancient Bronze and Silver Coins from the Middle East Be Made Into Jewelry? A Crafter’s Guide

Introduction: The Art of Coin Ring Crafting

As a coin ring artisan, I’m often asked about the suitability of various coins for jewelry making. Not every coin is suitable for crafting. Let me walk you through the metal composition and durability of these fascinating ancient pieces from the Middle East and determine their potential for creating beautiful, lasting jewelry.

Understanding the Bronze Coin from Seleukeia

The first coin in question is a bronze piece from Cilicia, Seleukeia on the Kalykadnos, struck between the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.E. This ancient bronze coin measures approximately 19.8mm in diameter and weighs 3.79 grams.

Metal Composition and Hardness Analysis

Bronze, an alloy primarily composed of copper and tin, presents both opportunities and challenges for jewelry crafting. The typical bronze alloy used in ancient coins contains approximately 88% copper and 12% tin, though exact compositions varied by mint and era.

For ring making, bronze offers moderate hardness on the Mohs scale (around 3-4), making it workable but requiring careful handling during the folding and shaping process. The metal’s relatively soft nature means it can be formed without excessive heat, but it also means the finished piece may be more susceptible to scratches and wear over time.

Design Elements and Aesthetic Potential

The reverse features the forepart of a horse to the right with the inscription “ΑΘΗ” above. The obverse displays the head of Apollo facing right. These classical designs offer excellent aesthetic appeal for jewelry:

• The horse motif provides a dynamic, flowing element that wraps beautifully around a finger
• Apollo’s profile offers classical elegance and historical significance
• The Greek inscriptions add authenticity and conversation-starting detail

However, the bronze composition means the final piece would develop a patina over time, which some wearers appreciate for its antique character while others might find less appealing than the original warm golden-brown tone.

Examining the Silver Drachm from Larissa

The second coin is a silver drachm from Larissa, Thessaly, dating to approximately 400-340 BC. This piece features a horse on the reverse, with Greek letters above that typically spell “ΛAPIΣA” (Larissa).

Silver Content and Working Properties

Ancient Greek drachms typically contained 95-98% pure silver, making them excellent candidates for jewelry crafting. Silver ranks 2.5-3 on the Mohs hardness scale, slightly softer than bronze, but its working properties are superior:

• Silver work-hardens during the folding process, creating a stronger finished piece
• It polishes to a brilliant shine that maintains its luster with proper care
• The metal is more malleable, allowing for cleaner folds and smoother edges
• Silver is less prone to developing the green patina associated with copper alloys

Design Details and Jewelry Applications

The horse grazing or preparing to roll on the reverse creates a particularly appealing design for rings. The natural curve of the animal’s form complements the circular shape of a ring, and the detailed musculature and movement translate beautifully when the coin is folded.

The obverse, featuring the head of the nymph Larissa, offers classical beauty that appeals to history enthusiasts and those who appreciate ancient art. The Greek inscriptions, while small, add authenticity and educational value to the piece.

Comparative Analysis: Bronze vs. Silver for Jewelry

Durability Considerations

When crafting rings, durability is paramount. Here’s how these metals compare:

Aesthetic Longevity

Bronze rings develop a unique character over time, with the surface evolving into deeper, richer tones. This patina can be beautiful but is irreversible. Silver maintains its bright appearance longer and can be easily restored to its original shine through polishing.

Authentication and Value Considerations

Authenticity Verification

Before crafting any ancient coin into jewelry, authentication is crucial. The Larissa drachm, valued around $1,450 in authentic condition, requires careful verification. Look for:

• Consistent wear patterns appropriate to the coin’s age
• Proper metal composition testing
• Comparison with known authentic examples
• Professional authentication services for high-value pieces

Be aware that sterling silver cast reproductions exist, which, while still attractive for jewelry, lack the historical value of authentic ancient coins.

Ethical Considerations

As artisans, we must consider the historical significance of these coins. Some collectors argue that ancient coins should remain unaltered for historical preservation, while others believe that creating wearable art helps share history with a broader audience. The decision to craft a particular coin should consider its rarity, condition, and historical importance.

Crafting Techniques for Ancient Coins

Preparation Steps

For both bronze and silver ancient coins, follow these preparation steps:

1. Thorough cleaning with appropriate methods for the metal type
2. Verification of structural integrity (no cracks or severe weakness)
3. Measurement and marking for the ring size
4. Annealing if necessary to soften the metal for folding

Ring Formation Process

The classic coin ring technique involves:

1. Drilling a center hole slightly smaller than the desired ring size
2. Gradually folding the coin edges using a ring stretcher and specialized tools
3. Maintaining the coin’s design visibility throughout the process
4. Finishing the edges and interior for comfort

Silver coins generally respond better to this process, maintaining cleaner folds and sharper detail. Bronze requires more careful temperature control and slower working to prevent cracking.

Market Value and Investment Potential

Bronze Coin Jewelry Market

Bronze ancient coin rings typically sell for $150-400, depending on:

• Historical significance of the coin
• Quality of the craftsmanship
• Size and rarity of the original coin
• Condition of the design after ring formation

Silver Coin Jewelry Market

Silver ancient coin rings command higher prices, typically $300-800, due to:

• Higher intrinsic metal value
• Better preservation of detail
• Broader appeal to jewelry collectors
• Easier maintenance and care

Care and Maintenance of Coin Rings

Bronze Ring Care

Owners should be advised that bronze rings:

• May cause temporary skin discoloration in some wearers
• Develop a unique patina that evolves over time
• Should be kept dry when possible to slow oxidation
• Can be cleaned with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals

Silver Ring Care

Silver rings require different care:

• Regular polishing with silver cloth maintains shine
• Storage in anti-tarnish bags prevents oxidation
• Avoid exposure to chlorine and harsh chemicals
• Occasional professional cleaning recommended for intricate designs

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Coin for Your Craft

Both the bronze Seleukeia coin and the silver Larissa drachm offer excellent potential for jewelry crafting, but they serve different markets and preferences. The bronze piece appeals to those who appreciate the warm tones and evolving patina of copper alloys, while the silver drachm attracts collectors who value the metal’s brightness and ease of maintenance.

For the artisan, the silver Larissa drachm presents the better crafting opportunity due to its superior working properties, higher market value, and broader appeal. However, the bronze Seleukeia coin offers unique historical significance and a distinctive aesthetic that can’t be replicated with modern metals.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your target market, crafting expertise, and appreciation for the historical narratives these ancient coins carry. Whichever you choose, transforming these ancient artifacts into wearable art creates a tangible connection to history that few other jewelry pieces can match.

Related Resources

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