G'day, another of my hobbies is Genealogy. A few years ago, I realized that 1820 was a year of particular significance in the family history. So, I decided to collect the British coins of 1820 (still looking for a Maundy 4d ...). Last year, my sister turned 60, and her husband & sons planned a major celebration. I was invited, but my own situation precluded the 4,000km journey. And, Melbourne in winter - suffice to say, I moved to a warmer climate when I left home. So, I wanted to send a suitable gift. One day, looking for coins of 1820, I saw a sovereign that had had a loop soldered to the rim, making it into a pendant. The sov itself still clearly showed the most interesting features of the coin. And my sister would appreciate 7.98 grams of gold. I personalized the gift by writing a history of our family in the year 1820, and of the salient features of the sovereign as a coin - my sister has never had the slightest interest in history - and sent it all off. Apparently, according to my nephew, it was a real hit. By modern standards, the coin is an unusual item as jewellery. And it is authentic, and the fact that it is worn, adds to the authenticity more than it dtracts in other senses. My sister enjoyed the notes, and is now able to discuss the sovereign of 1820, and her relationship to events of that year. The coin is the tangible link, and she can wear it when she chooses.
Now I don't favour the defacement of coins, but while some of us choose to display our coins in albums, or in other ways, there are those for whom coinage has no significance until they can touch and enjoy it.
I can't say that I've converted my sister into a collector, but every time she touches her coin of 1820, she has to wonder - was this in the purse or pocket of one of my ancestors when great deeds were being done ? And, at least, she now has an increased appreciation of coins, and a tolerance of collectors.
Peter in Oz
Posted 07/26/2007 3:50 pm
