The Barber coinage consists of a dime, a quarter and half dollar designed by United State Bureau of the Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. They were minted between 1892 and 1916, though no half dollars were struck in the final year of the series.
This Repousse art form is also called a pop-out or pushed-out coin. The likeness of lady liberty in this turn of the century numismatic oddity was created using a popular US coin available at the time with two dies designed to push out the metal from the reverse and the second to create the image likeness of Lady Liberty looking out from the busted surface of the obverse. These coins were made into a variety of jewelry items popularly using the Barber Lady Liberty Head.
Our necklace is a particularly nice example of this jewelry genre. Three coins are attached by chain links to form a pendant (which may have begun as a watch fob): a 1908 dime, a 1913 quarter, and a 1912 half dollar. Hanging from a sterling silver chain, it makes a most charming statement. Who doesn't love Lady Liberty? A fun piece of Americana perfect for every day wear!
Details (approximate)
Dimensions: Pendant is 3" including bale; Chain is 24"
Weight: 29.3 grams
Materials: Sterling silver (chain); Coin silver (pendant)
Marks: Coins marked 1908, 1912, 1913; Chain marked 925
Condition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear