Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 9/7/2009

Question
Hi,

I have been handed down a bracelet made of silver coins that have been 'cut out' showing what appears to be the queens head (possibly dutch) and on the back of the coin is clearly visible '10 cents' and the year which ranges from 1938-44.  It was from my grandmothers mother and we are from zimbabwe and before that scottland. in all there are 10 coins.
I was just wondering the history and it was valuable enough to need insurance :)
Many thanks

Answer
Hi Michelle,
You are exactly right about the origin of these coins. They depict Queen Wilhelmina I of the Netherlands. Typically such bracelets are made of the plain, un-cut coins and do not have a significant value. In these cases, the coins are seen as damaged by solder, added loops or even punched holes. Such coin bracelets typically go for bullion value, which typically is in the $10-$20 range.
In your case, this is a crafted item, which someone took extra time to carefully cut all the little coins. If it's nicely done (many of these are crudely cut), your bracelet can easily be in the $50-$100.
Also worth mentioning: if the coins had been nicely enameled, the value would be several times higher.
Thanks for the question! =)