A medal made from William IIII 1835 Coin

[Abhay]

A William IIII Coin of 1835 is listed in an Auction Catalogue to be held at Nagpur.

This coin has been turned into a medal by encasing it in a Silver Casing - to make it in a locket, with colored enameling on it.

It looks exactly similar to the QE II Wedding medal, that I recently got.

So, in all probability, the MIDLAND MEDALLIONS is doing the job of converting coins into medallions.

Abhay

[Md. Shariful Islam]

Isn't that illegal? In my opinion, this act is atleast not acceptable as the coin is altered to medal.

[Abhay]

Isn't that illegal? In my opinion, this act is atleast not acceptable as the coin is altered to medal.

But what if this is done today?

As on date, this coin is no longer a legal tender. I have seen old coins being made into jewelry, lockets, rings etc.

Abhay

[Md. Shariful Islam]

But what if this is done today?

As on date, this coin is no longer a legal tender. I have seen old coins being made into jewelry, lockets, rings etc.

Abhay

There are two dimensions to consider on this issue: legal and ethical. As a numismatist for me this act is unethical. And ethics may vary from one to another. I don't know the legal stand of such coins if melted. If melting is illegal then altering should also be prohibited. A coin is a history. When altered, the history is also altered.

[Figleaf]

I think it is a bit sad if a venerable coin is destroyed like that, turned into a teaspoon, a lid for a box or otherwise abused for vanity, even though the coin is not scarce. I wish the jewellers would use imitations instead. I wish there were a way to stop them from using real coins, but I don't think there is. There will always be people who will buy this, therefore, there will always be people who will sell this.

Some time ago, the Dutch Geldmuseum did a special exhibition on altered state money. It was a bit like pornography: you can be against it, never spend any money on it, hate it or like it, the fact is that what's done is done and there is no way to turn it back. At best, you can admire people's ingenuity. Getting upset  is useless.

Peter

[Harry]

Even though I do not like the fact that this coin has been destroyed but another way to look at it is that it may get the attention of people who would never look at a silver coin... and who know, it may convert someone to be a collector of British India coins!

[Md. Shariful Islam]

Even though I do not like the fact that this coin has been destroyed but another way to look at it is that it may get the attention of people who would never look at a silver coin and who know, it may convert someone to be a collector of British India coins!

Another possibility is looking at this funny and ugly distorted medal one will have a negative image about BI coins. My opinion is those who want to make medals should make their own. At best they can copy but have no right to distort these artifacts.