Can the 2007-P Washington Dollar Elongated Ray Variety Be Made Into Jewelry? A Crafter’s Guide

Historical Significance

Not every coin is suitable for crafting. Let me walk you through the metal composition and durability of this piece for jewelry making. The 2007-P Washington Dollar Elongated Ray variety presents an interesting case for coin ring artisans. This particular variety, with its FS-901 designation, has captured the attention of collectors due to its rarity – with TPG populations showing fewer than 10 examples certified across major grading services.

Metal Composition and Durability

The 2007-P Washington Dollar is composed of a manganese-brass clad composition, consisting of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel. This unique alloy was specifically developed for the Presidential dollar series to give the coins their distinctive golden appearance. The copper content provides excellent workability for crafting purposes, while the manganese adds strength and wear resistance.

The metal hardness of these coins falls in the medium range, making them suitable for ring making. They’re harder than pure silver coins but softer than nickel-clad coins, offering a good balance between durability and workability. When annealed properly, the metal becomes quite malleable, allowing for smooth bending and shaping without cracking or splitting.

Design Details and Aesthetic Appeal

The elongated ray variety features a distinctive die anomaly that occurred during the minting process. The design shows an elongated ray extending from the sunburst on the reverse of the coin. This unique characteristic adds visual interest to any jewelry piece created from these coins.

The coin’s 26.5mm diameter provides ample surface area for ring making, while the 2mm thickness offers structural integrity. The golden color of the manganese-brass composition creates a warm, rich appearance that complements various skin tones and pairs well with other metals in mixed-metal designs.

Design Considerations for Jewelry Making

• The obverse features George Washington’s portrait, which maintains its detail even after the ring-making process
• The reverse sunburst design, including the elongated ray, creates interesting visual patterns when the coin is shaped into a ring
• The edge lettering remains visible on the interior of the ring, adding a unique textural element
• The “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust” edge inscriptions create an interesting contrast with the smooth exterior

Crafting Challenges and Opportunities

While the metal composition is favorable for jewelry making, the rarity of this variety presents a significant challenge. With fewer than 20 known examples across all grades and holders, using one for jewelry would be controversial among collectors. However, for those who acquire a damaged or otherwise undesirable example, the crafting potential is excellent.

The manganese content in the alloy can cause some discoloration during the heating process, requiring careful temperature control during annealing. However, this same property allows for interesting patina effects that can enhance the final piece’s character.

Value Considerations

Current market values for this variety in certified grades range from $800 to $1,200, with the highest graded example commanding premium prices. This value consideration is crucial for crafters – while the metal value alone might justify using a damaged example for jewelry, pristine specimens should be preserved for collectors.

The 2007-P Washington Dollar Elongated Ray variety represents a unique opportunity for crafters who can source damaged or otherwise undesirable examples. The metal composition, durability, and distinctive design features make it an excellent candidate for jewelry making, provided the ethical considerations of using such a rare variety are carefully weighed.

Conclusion

The 2007-P Washington Dollar Elongated Ray variety offers excellent potential for jewelry crafting, with its favorable metal composition, appropriate hardness, and distinctive design features. While the rarity of this variety makes it a controversial choice for crafting, damaged or otherwise undesirable examples could find new life as unique, conversation-starting pieces of jewelry. For collectors and crafters alike, this variety represents the intersection of numismatic rarity and crafting potential – a reminder that even the most valuable coins can have alternative destinies beyond traditional collecting.

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