Item Description:
A fine and evocative example of 19th century sentimental jewelry, this bracelet is composed of seven United States Seated Liberty silver quarters, each smoothed on one side and hand-engraved with personalized inscriptions, monograms, and decorative motifs. This type of engraving, known as a love token, became popular during the Victorian period as a way of transforming everyday currency into keepsakes of affection, friendship, or remembrance.
The coins date from 1856 through 1878, including multiple 1876 Centennial issues, each crafted in .900 silver. One side of each coin retains its original U.S. Mint design, depicting Liberty seated with shield and the heraldic eagle reverse, while the opposite side has been carefully hand-engraved with names such as Henry and Willie, as well as ornate initials and scrollwork. Several coins feature decorative borders and flourishes, demonstrating the skill of the engravers who often worked with simple tools but great precision.
The coins are joined together with hand-made silver jump rings to form a wearable bracelet, measuring approximately 7½ inches in length. Such coin jewelry was frequently created as tokens of love or remembrance, exchanged between sweethearts, family members, or friends in the mid-to-late 19th century. Many were made during the American Centennial period (1876), when patriotic pride encouraged the reuse of U.S. coinage in decorative and commemorative ways.
Condition: Good antique condition overall, with expected wear and patina from age and handling. Several coins show drilled holes (as is typical for love token jewelry) and natural surface marks consistent with use. The engraving remains legible, with attractive hand-cut flourishes.
Provenance & Appeal: This bracelet represents a highly collectible form of folk art jewelry that combines American history, numismatics, and Victorian sentimental culture. Love token coin jewelry remains a sought-after category for collectors of both 19th century Americana and antique silver.
Dimensions: APPROX 7½ in. long.
Composition: .900 fine silver (U.S. Seated Liberty quarters).
Dates visible: 1856, 1874, 1876 (several), 1878.
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SHIPPING - PLEASE IF YOU ARE IN A HURRY I CAN SPEED SHIPPING TIME UP FOR YOU. JUST LET ME KNOW...I (USUALLY) USE USPS GROUND OR FIRST-CLASS IF UNDER A POUND. I NEED TO BE ABLE TO TRACK THE PACKAGE ALL THE WAY. HOWEVER, IF YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY AND HAVE ME PUT YOUR ITEM IN AN ENVELOPE (DEPENDING ON SIZE) AND SHIP WITHOUT TRACKING, LET ME KNOW AND I'LL CHANGE SHIPPING OPTIONS FOR YOU. IT COULD SAVE APPROX 2-3 DOLLARS BUT REMEMBER WE WOULD NOT HAVE TRACKING ON THE ITEM. EITHER WAY IS GOOD WITH ME. ALSO, I USE USPS 100 DOLLAR INSURANCE FOR MOST PACKAGES. IF YOU WANT TO UPGRADE TO A HIGHER AMOUNT LET ME KNOW AND DO NOT PAY UNTIL I ADJUST FOR THE DIFFERENCE. IF YOU PAY WITHOUT COMMUNICATION, I'LL ASSUME THAT YOU'RE OK WITH THE 100 DOLLAR INSURANCE COVERAGE. I THINK THAT'S ALL THE SHIPPING STUFF, EGADS, MY HAND IS POOPED :)
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