1881 S Silver Morgan Dollar Coin Ring.
Sized at 11. Tire Design. Total weight of 24 grams.
This piece is sold. But if you want one like it, contact me. Estimated Price is 220$
Working with larger coin can be a difficult task. Its why I tend to stay away from larger coins. However I've been wanting to challenge myself. I've found the use of a drill or punch die set can be frustrating. And in my opinion, is just not an option for larger gauged coins. A large drill bit can jump around and scratch your coin, holding it in place can be a nightmare and your hole can be off center. So the other option is you might as well go with a die set. However, coins in die sets have a tendency to move as the hammer strikes its blow and your off center anyway. The biggest trouble with die sets is, they can crack the coin. Cracks so small you don't notice them until you start folding the coin. Besides. A large coin like a Morgan Dollar, doesn't really fit in a die punch. 
Instead, I use a jewelers saw with a #4 or #6 ott blade to make
my hole. The first step is to find my center and then draw a circle
template in the center of the coin. Keeping my drill handy. I use a
small drill bit, rather than the big one, to make a small hole in the
top of the center circle template. I thread my saw blade through that.
And from there I cut out my center. This not only helps get a good
centered hole. But it greatly reduces any marring or scratches that a
large drill bit or die punch may cause. And makes a better quality
Morgan Dollar Ring possible.
Once you have the center hole finished. You can proceed to make your coin ring as you normally would. If you have questions or need help. Feel free to ask them and I will post them in the next how to post.
Thanks for stopping by. Good luck with your ring making!
NOTE: THE PHOTO OF THE 1881 MORGAN DOLLAR COIN RING, I RYAN O'SHEA MADE HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF THEFT FOR USE IN OTHER SO CALLED COIN RING MAKERS LISTINGS. IF YOU SEE MY WORK, ADVERTISED ON ANOTHER SELLERS SITE. I SUGGEST YOU TURN AROUND AND FIND AN HONEST RING MAKER.
Do your rings really have a rounded exterior or is is something in the photography? The few rings I have tried tend to have the cone shape.
ReplyDeleteAnd how are you finishing the edge? From the rim of the coin to the row of 'teeth' is a very short distance on the coin. However, on the ring you have a wide polished edge.
Thanks!
No trick photography, it has a rounded shape. Its not easy to do. But its doable with practice. I always use leather on my mandrel. You could try a step mandrel?
ReplyDeleteThe edges as silly as it sounds have kinda been my signature on my coin rings.
I've always used very fine files, sanding and polishing. I do it inside and outside. Inside to make the rings comfortable. Outside to give them a different look. I wouldn't try filing the rims until you are at the final steps of making your ring. You want it formed first.
Clearly after looking at hundreds of these rings on Etsy, Ebay and the web, you get it, and others do not. Although one can simply hammer a coin into a ring like shape, that does not make it a ring. The care you take to form the edges, dome the sides, make the ring comfortable to wear, and pleasant to look at MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD! THANK YOU for caring and taking the time to make coins into rings.
DeleteThanks for the reply! I saw the leather on your ebay post and wondered if that was part of it.
ReplyDeleteSure.
DeleteYes leather is a must have. I am working on some ring making tutorials for this blog when I get the free time. I'll cover the use of leather in it so you can see how many applications it has.
I just wanted to tell you that your coin rings are the best on the market, and this Morgan dollar ring is an absolute game changer. Way to raise the bar! Not only for yourself, but for the whole entire hobby field!
ReplyDeleteYou're self taught secrets that you are sharing are the only reason I just ordered a mandrel. I should be getting it next week . Any chance you would post a "beginners with clad" step by step in the next week?!?!
Again, you're amazing and you have me as a fan of your art. Thanks again
Adam McSkinney
How do you "dome" the ring and give it that "tire" look?!
ReplyDelete