Creating coin rings involves transforming a coin into a wearable ring, usually by expanding the center and shaping the edges. While the process can be accomplished with minimal tools, more specialized equipment can streamline and improve the final result.
Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:
- Silver Content: Coins with a higher silver content (at least 80%) are preferred, as they are softer and less prone to discoloration. Pre-1965 US quarters, for instance, are 90% silver and make excellent rings.
- Condition: Choose a coin with good detail, minimal wear, scratches, or dents, especially around the outer half, [according to Messages in Metal].
- Size: Consider the desired thickness of the ring and the size of the wearer’s fingers when choosing the coin.
- Center Hole: A hole needs to be drilled or punched in the center of the coin, [according to this Instructables guide] . Careful centering is important for the ring’s final appearance.
- Deburring/Smoothing: The sharp edges from the newly punched or drilled hole should be deburred and smoothed using a deburring tool or sandpaper.
- Annealing (optional but recommended): Heat the coin to soften the metal and prevent cracking during the shaping process. Heat the coin until it reaches a dull red glow, and then quench it in water. Note that quenching silver, copper, and gold does not harden them like ferrous metals.
- Folding: Place the annealed coin on a ring mandrel (a tapered, hardened steel rod). Use a rawhide or nylon mallet to gently tap the edge of the coin, folding it down evenly around the mandrel. You may need to repeat the annealing and tapping process multiple times.
- Sizing and Refining: As you continue to shape the ring, it will start to resemble a conical shape. You can use a piece of plastic pipe to help push the coin further down the mandrel, according to this Instructables guide. You may also flip the coin to hammer it from the other side to achieve a more cylindrical shape.
- Stretching (optional, if needed): If the ring is too small, a ring stretcher can be used to expand it to the desired size. Annealing before stretching is recommended to prevent cracking.
- Swedish Wrapping (for detailed rings): For preserving more of the coin’s detail, especially on the inside of the ring, Swedish wrapping can be used after an initial folding. This involves wrapping the coin in Teflon tape and using special dies to reduce its size.
- Matching Edges: The cut edge (the part where the center was removed) needs to be matched and smoothed to the original coin edge.
- Sanding: Sand the inside and outside of the ring to remove any sharp edges and rough areas, starting with a coarser grit and progressing to finer grits. A Dremel with a sanding drum attachment can be helpful for the inside of the ring.
- Polishing: Polish the ring to a shine using metal polish or jewelry polish and a soft cloth or buffing wheel. Toothpaste can be used as a substitute for polish.
- Antiquing (optional): For added contrast and detail, some crafters use liver of sulfur to darken the recessed areas of the coin, then polish the raised areas to create a brushed metal look, [according to Messages in Metal].
- Safety: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, during the process.
- Patience: Making coin rings can be a time-consuming process, particularly if using minimal tools.
- Legality: Research your local laws regarding defacing currency. In many places, it’s legal to make coin rings for personal use or gifts as long as you’re not trying to pass them off for higher value.
With practice and the right tools, you can create unique and beautiful coin rings that showcase the artistry and history of the coin.
What do you need to make a coin ring?
I can help with that. Tools used: Butane/propane torch, rawhide mallet, sandpaper, sharpie, half-round file, ring mandrel, drill with step-bit, 4-sided nail buffer block, small bits of wood, paper towel, metal polish. …
The coin I’m making into a ring is a 1939 Irish Florin (2-shillings).
How to make a coin to ring?
From my experience, Itself. Now once the hole is cut we have this sharp edge. And we remove that with a deburring.
Is making coin rings illegal?
We’re asked this question almost every day, and it is a very reasonable concern. And for what we do – make jewelry out of coins – the answer is simply no, it is not illegal.
What is the best coin to make a ring out of?
I recommend the British 1 pound piece (Nickel plated Brass), or the Chinese 1 yuan piece (Nickel plated Steel) which is the one I will use in this instructables.