Rare Antique Mexican 5 Centavos Silver Coin Albert Pocket Watch Chain, 1869-1905.

Coin jewellery is noted throughout history and has had many different meanings and traditions. It can be used to display status and wealth. Coins can be talismans that represent protection, love, and luck. Since the 1600s, people have given coins to loved ones as gifts, often engraved with sentimental messages. During World Wars I and II, soldiers would make and send coin jewellery home to their loved ones, which became known as sweetheart jewellery. Threepence pieces in England were most often called thrupence or thrupenny pieces and are considered lucky, even now at the age of 90, my mother puts them in her Christmas puds, they then have to be exchanged for money the children can spend!

This incredible antique silver coin Albert chain features eight Mexican 5 centavos silver coin (dating from the late 19th or early 20th century, specifically the 1869–1905 Republic series) integrated into a decorative handmade chain or jewellery piece.

The coins were struck in 0.903 fine silver, weighing approx. 1.34g each with a dimeter of 1.4cm. On the obverse they feature the national coat of arms with the Mexican golden eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake, inscribed with REPUBLICA MEXICANA’. The reverse side shows a prominent numeral ‘5’ surrounded by the inscription ‘CENTAVOS, a laurel wreath, and fineness and mint markings at the top.

The coins have been drilled top and bottom and mounted with custom twisted-wire and loop links typical of folk art, creating superb keepsake, souvenir, or conversational coin jewellery. The dates and mint marking have been partially removed by the holes drilled to make the chain. The decorative links and chains are all expertly made by a skilled craftsman. The T-bar has a central double pin that is closely bound with wire. The clasp to hold the pocket watch is unusual and is again made using beautifully looped and shaped wire. The fob is suspended by a decorative chain of decoratively crafted links. The fob has a rotating pendant with black and white banded agate on one side and carnelian on the reverse. The agate is cracked with a small piece missing, the carnelian has some minor chips.

The necklace is being offered in good antique condition. The coins vary in exact condition, they are mostly quite clear.

The chain measures approx. 34cm in length, each coin 1.4cm, the fob is 5.5cm by 1.6cm by 8.8cm, the Albert chain weighs approx. 23.9g.

A wonderfully unique piece of jewellery.

Please see pictures for more details.

Thanks for looking and Happy Bidding!

Please ask if you would like me to look at cheaper delivery services.

I am always happy to combine postage, all I ask if you let me know if you are bidding on more than one item within a few days of each other. I will pack and weigh the items together and get the best possible price that I can, sometimes weight or value might dictate that I send multiple parcels to get a better value for you