Using trashed coin finds

[qtrs-xcite-me]

As all metal detectorists, I have found a ton of trash while digging for treasure. Much of that trash is deeply pitted, bent or partially corroded away modern coins that are in such bad shape they cannot be placed into circulation. Since the banks will not accept these coins, I presume laws against defacing coins would not apply. Does anyone know anything different? I have been considering taking a collection of these coins and resin casting them into coasters as a bit of a joke about my treasure finds. Has anyone tried this? Any legal reason not to do it?

 

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[robertk]

I don't know of any reason you couldn't do that with any coin you wanted, damaged or not. You aren't defacing it by covering it with resin -- arguably you are protecting it. Just think of it as a permanent coin slab.

 

[pepperj]

Lots of examples on the web regarding epoxied coins.
Now they all look shiny and clean so the idea of grungy coins might be a winner.

 

[golddigger14s]

Mutilated Coin Redemption Program | U.S. Mint

The United States Mint established a program by which people and businesses could exchange bent and partial coins for reimbursement.

www.usmint.gov

 

[qtrs-xcite-me]

Mutilated Coin Redemption Program | U.S. Mint

The United States Mint established a program by which people and businesses could exchange bent and partial coins for reimbursement.

www.usmint.gov

Thanks for posting that link. Years ago, Federal Reserve Banks were required to accept damaged coins at face value. This explains why my recent attempts with FRBs were denied. It appears the redemption program is still on hold and coins lost (in the ground) would be considered trash and un-redeemable.

 

[qtrs-xcite-me]

I don't know of any reason you couldn't do that with any coin you wanted, damaged or not. You aren't defacing it by covering it with resin -- arguably you are protecting it. Just think of it as a permanent coin slab.

Well, if I proceed with this idea and get in trouble, I want you on the jury!

 

[FreeBirdTim]

There's tons of gold plated U.S. coins for sale online. If that's not considered defacing a coin, then what you want to do definitely isn't defacing a coin.

 

[Red-Coat]

Kelly Graham's 'penny floor'. She used 7,500 of them, interspersed with a few dimes for contrast. Gaps filled with grout and the whole floor coated in clear resin. Still going strong after five years apparently.

Here's How Much It Actually Costs to Install a Penny Floor in Your Home

Hint: It'll cost you a pretty penny.

www.housebeautiful.com

I saw something similar in the bar of a country pub in the UK some years ago but in a more elaborate design created with multiple denominations of coinage from a whole host of countries.

 

[ConceptualizedNetherlandr]

First off, no one is coming after any one for mutilating a coin. Can you imagine a larger waste of resources?

And, have you see the price of hardware? Drill a a hole when you need a washer

 

[Trezurehunter]

A few years back I made an epoxy door. Bought an old vintage door at a garage sale, popped out the glass, inserted all kinds of treasures (coins included) that I have found, and added the epoxy. It came out very nice, and no one has said anything about defacing coins. Do what you want with yours. I think making coasters with some coins is a great idea.

 

[qtrs-xcite-me]

Although I have a bit more polishing to do, I thought I would go ahead and post a pic of my attempt to make something useful out of some of the damaged coins I have found.

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

My Sister-in-law made a bar top out of old coins I even think there was some silver coins and paper money it looked really nice.