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1905 $1 Lewis and Clark Restoration
Orlena
Posts: 339 ✭✭✭✭
I have a 1905 L&C that was made into a stick pin many years ago (not by me). It’s in good condition except for the pin soldered to the obverse. I’m wondering if it’s worth restoring it. Does past jewelry ruin it forever? It’s approximately a MS 63 ($800-900) but the little dot of solder might make this a worthless project. I paid $250. Thanks in advance for anyone familiar with restoration.
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It is unlikely that it will straight grade. You might be better served just leaving it as it is. If this is more or a lapel type with a long pin that might be 14 or 18K gold and was well done, there might be greater downside in a restoration effort gone bad. You might consider posting an image of the item so those that choose to opine are not completely blindfolded.
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Yeah, ruined forever as a coin. If the pin is intact, I'd leave it that way.
Restoration does not reverse damage. Without an image, I would suggest you leave it as a pin.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Thanks guys, I figured that was the answer. I’ll leave it alone and buy a 1904 as a complimentary piece. The vintage stick pin is kind of cool anyway.
Many years ago when I was a much younger and newer collector I felt that every coin that had been put to another use needed to be rescued.
I've since learned to accept and appreciate that repurposed coins are usually best left in their altered state. Such coin-related items could even make for an interesting side collection.
There are a few commemorative coins that were mounted in spoons and jewelry mounts at the time they were first sold, which are collectible. The one which immediately comes to mind is the 1903 Jefferson gold dollar from the Louisiana Purchase Exposition which was mounted in a spoon. I’ve bid on one of those a couple of times and have been unsuccessful.