I paint coins to make jewelry, and sometimes even drill them. Customers bring up the topic of being legal to do this often. I have been a member of a coin club with several nationally known coin collectors/experts actively involved. So I have discussed this with them, and it is only a crime to deface coins if it is done with the intent to fraud.

You can also copy or mint replicas, as long as they are marked that, or are the wrong size, or something else that makes it clear they are not real currency. Of course, there are bad people out there not following the rules, and Treasury agents are after them.

So everyone, feel free to have some fun and make this family tresure…

“The specific federal law at issue is 18 USC 333, which proscribes criminal penalties against anyone who “mutilates, cuts, defaces, disfigures, or perforates, or unites or cements together. . .”

Perhaps using coin holders may be a better alternative. In any event, this is a darling idea.

Thanks.

What a great idea to use pennies with everyone’s birth years. And making your own jump rings adds an extra special touch.

Also neat that you can easily add new family members when they’re born. (Although you may need to start a second bracelet when great-grandchildren start arriving!)

Thanks again for sharing this great idea with us!