A few years back I picked up ten or more 1973 50 pence pieces from a local market. When I lived in Adelaide I went to a local coin shop and noticed in the window display a couple of proof sets of this coin (including a nice case). I thought right away it would make a very nice coin ring based on the 9 hands design. Well, I made it but I don’t think I will attempt to make another one ever again. Why? This coin is made out copper-nickel 2.3mm in thickness. Most of the time I work with 0.9 to 1.3mm thickness for copper, copper-nickel etc. Silver can be a bit thicker as it is a lot softer and easier to work with. Long story short, I broke two of my hand tools but I was determined to finish this coin ring. Everything was made by my hands using hand tools – no power tools used. I don’t know why I didn’t stop crafting this coin ring in an early stage after spending a loooong time trying to punch a hole through the centre of this coin ???
I have to say that this coin ring looks beautiful (IMHO) and as much as I would want to make another one I don’t think I will. Have a look a the pictorial of the making of this 1973 50 pence coin ring. It is for sale in my online shop. A bit more expensive compared to most of my coin rings so it will probably never sell but on the other hand I will be very happy if I end up keeping it myself. Price on Etsy includes prooflike issue of the coin in it’s original Royal Mint plastic. Red colour etui is included as well.
About the coin:
In 1973 when the 50 Pence piece was still a nice heavy chunky piece of metal, the Royal Mint issued its first ever commemorative 50p. It was for our joining the Common Market or EEC as it was known. Elizabeth II is on the obverse and the reverse has nine hands clasped. This symbolised our eight partners in this momentous adventure. This coin was designed by David Wynne.
Composition: Copper-Nickel
Weight: 13.5000g
Diameter: 30mm
Thickness: 2.3mm
