In England during the Victorian era is was very fashionable to have jewelry fashioned from the silver coinage of the day and here we have a super example fashioned from rare silver fourpenny pieces.
Also known as groats the coins were used primarily as 'Maundy Money' and only minted between 1836 and 1855 so its a real treat to find 18 of them on this bracelet! Maundy money was given annually by the reigning British monarch to the elderly as symbolic alms.
A double row of silver groats form the bracelet. The dates on the coins range from 1837 to 1855, 14 of them bear the image of the young Queen Victoria and 4 of them (the 1837 coins) bear the image of her uncle and predecessor King William VI (1735-1837)
The coins are linked together with silver jump rings with the obverse side showing - the images of Britannia holding a trident - and the face of the coins bearing the monarch heads worn on the inside.
The bracelet fastens with a sturdy hidden shovel clasp. A wonderful and early example of this charming jewelry style and a real treat to see these rare and collectible coins!
MATERIALS: 925 sterling silver throughout.
MEASUREMENTS: The bracelet measures 8-1/4" long end to end (approx 21cm) and 1-1/2" wide. The fourpence coins are 16.2mm diameter.
HALLMARKS: None
WEIGHT: 38 grams
DATE: 1850's, Victorian
CONDITION: Very good condition showing signs of antique age and wear. The bracelet has obviously been treasured and worn over long period of time, it is wonderfully comfy to wear! All the coins are securely attached and the clasp is in perfect working order. The detail on the coins is worn to differing degrees, some images and dates are still fairly crisp with others worn and silky smooth but still recognisable.