Can This Unusual New Zealand Coin Be Transformed Into Jewelry? A Crafter’s Analysis

Introduction: The Curious Case of the 1993 New Zealand Two Dollar Coin

For coin ring artisans and jewelry makers, the 1993 New Zealand two dollar coin presents a fascinating case study. With its unique aluminum-bronze composition, distinctive edge design, and commemorative nature, this coin offers both opportunities and challenges for those looking to transform it into wearable art. Let’s explore whether this intriguing piece is suitable for crafting.

Understanding the Metal Composition

The 1993 New Zealand two dollar coin is composed of aluminum-bronze, an alloy that consists of approximately 92% copper, 6% aluminum, and 2% nickel. This composition creates a distinctive golden-yellow appearance that many find appealing for jewelry applications.

Aluminum-bronze offers several advantages for jewelry crafting:

• Corrosion resistance: The alloy is highly resistant to tarnishing and corrosion, making it ideal for pieces that will be worn regularly
• Strength: With a tensile strength of approximately 350-450 MPa, aluminum-bronze is significantly stronger than pure copper or many other copper alloys
• Workability: The metal can be cold worked and annealed, allowing for various shaping techniques

Unlike plated coins, this is a solid alloy throughout, meaning there’s no risk of the plating wearing through during the crafting process. The uniform composition makes it particularly suitable for techniques like coin ring making, where the metal is stretched and shaped.

Evaluating Metal Hardness for Crafting

The hardness of aluminum-bronze falls in the range of 60-110 HV (Vickers hardness), depending on the specific temper and processing. This hardness level presents both advantages and challenges for jewelry making:

Advantages:

• The metal is hard enough to maintain its shape well after forming
• It resists scratching better than softer metals like pure silver or gold
• The hardness allows for a good polish that will last

Challenges:

• May require more force when shaping compared to softer metals
• Standard jewelry tools may need to be adjusted for this harder material
• Drilling and piercing operations may take longer than with softer metals

Design Details and Aesthetic Appeal

The 1993 New Zealand two dollar coin features a kingfisher on the reverse side, a design that offers excellent aesthetic potential for jewelry. The kingfisher’s detailed plumage and dynamic pose create visual interest that translates well into a ring or pendant form.

The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait, which provides a classic element that many collectors appreciate. The combination of royal imagery with native wildlife creates a unique juxtaposition that can appeal to a wide range of customers.

One of the most distinctive features of this coin is its “security edge” – a ribbed edge with a central stripe containing rivets. This unusual edge design creates an interesting textural element for rings, adding visual and tactile interest to the final piece.

Color and Patina Considerations

The aluminum-bronze alloy develops a distinctive patina over time, typically deepening to a rich golden-brown color. This natural aging process can enhance the jewelry’s character, though some crafters may prefer to maintain the original bright finish.

The coin’s two-tone appearance (as noted by several forum members) is actually a result of oxidation rather than any coating or plating. This oxidation creates natural highlights and shadows that can add depth to jewelry pieces, particularly when the metal is shaped and curved during the ring-making process.

Crafting Techniques and Considerations

When working with this specific coin for jewelry making, several techniques are particularly effective:

Coin Ring Making:

• The coin’s 26.5mm diameter makes it suitable for men’s or women’s rings in various sizes
• The 2.74mm thickness provides good material for creating substantial bands
• The security edge can be preserved or removed depending on the desired final look

Pendant Creation:

• The detailed kingfisher design makes an excellent focal point for pendants
• The coin can be domed to create a more three-dimensional effect
• Bezel settings can highlight the coin while protecting its edges

Bracelet Components:

• Multiple coins can be linked to create unique bracelets
• The uniform color of aluminum-bronze creates a cohesive look in multi-coin pieces

Market Value and Investment Considerations

While the forum discussion reveals some debate about the coin’s numismatic value, for jewelry making purposes, the focus shifts to the material value and aesthetic appeal. The 1993 New Zealand two dollar coin is relatively affordable, making it accessible for crafters at various price points.

Silver proof versions of this coin (mintage of approximately 10,000) command higher prices and offer an alternative for those seeking a different color palette or precious metal content. However, the aluminum-bronze version remains the most practical choice for most jewelry applications due to its durability and lower cost.

Authentication and Quality Assessment

When selecting coins for jewelry making, quality assessment becomes crucial. Look for:

• Coin with minimal scratches or damage to the design
• Uniform coloration without excessive toning or corrosion
• Clear, well-defined details in both the kingfisher and portrait
• Intact edge details if you plan to preserve the security edge

The forum discussion mentions potential doubling on some examples. While this might be of interest to collectors, for jewelry purposes, this feature is generally irrelevant unless it significantly impacts the design’s appearance.

Conclusion: A Promising Material for Unique Jewelry

The 1993 New Zealand two dollar coin, with its aluminum-bronze composition, distinctive design, and unique edge detail, offers excellent potential for jewelry crafting. Its durability, workability, and aesthetic appeal make it a promising material for creating unique, conversation-starting pieces.

While it may not have the precious metal content of silver or gold coins, its distinctive appearance and the story behind its unusual design elements give it a character that many jewelry buyers appreciate. For coin ring artisans and jewelry makers looking to work with non-precious metals that still offer visual appeal and durability, this coin represents an intriguing option worth exploring.

The key to successful pieces lies in understanding the material’s properties, selecting high-quality examples, and applying appropriate crafting techniques that highlight the coin’s unique features while creating functional, beautiful jewelry that will be treasured for years to come.

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