Dinner is dandy, but like diamonds, silver and gold are forever. And like diamonds, silver, gold and other coins can be set into pendants, bracelets, necklaces and rings for gifts that your special someone will treasure for a lifetime.

Why Coins?
While gold and other precious metals make beautiful jewelry, they’re mostly impersonal. Integrating coins into the design adds interest and special meaning to the piece. They can commemorate special occasions and people, exotic locales, and other meaningful memories. How better to recall a trip to a distant land or an important part of the recipient’s interests or heritage?

A Gift of Gold
The original US gold coin was the $10 Eagle. It was an inch in diameter and contained roughly 6/10 of an ounce of gold. Other denominations were issued over the years until gold was withdrawn from circulation in 1933. Today that same amount of gold is worth nearly $800.

Gold coins have been made for thousands of years in countries around the world. As the price of gold rose in the 20th century, though, the metal became too expensive for use as circulating money. But the US Mint, Canada, China, Australia and a number of private mints still issue gold coins and tokens as bullion in several designs and sizes, from 1/10 ounce to full ounces and larger. The smaller coins are perfect to set in finger or ear rings and charm bracelets and the larger ones make stunning pendants.

Shining Silver
If gold isn’t your choice, silver coins are also great for both jewelry and other gifts. Also out of circulation due to higher prices, the variety of silver coins is nonetheless immense. Legacy silver coins from the US, Europe, Mexico and other countries are abundant and, in circulated condition, very affordable. The US mint also offers a large selection of commemorative and replica silver coins with historic themes. The Perth Mint in Australia even has pop culture themed coins that can be incorporated into jewelry or given as gifts by themselves. And at nearly one=tenth the price of gold, most silver is budget-friendly.

Precious Platinum
At roughly 60% the cost of gold, platinum is a gorgeous silvery metal that works nicely both in jewelry and as an investment. Most of the public and private mints offer similar selections of platinum coins and miniature bars that add interest and beauty to all types of jewelry.

Custom and Ready-Made Gifts
Some jewelers and gift dealers have pieces that incorporate coins ready to sell. If that’s your choice, just be sure you know what you’re getting. Especially with gold, the coin itself can be a major part of the cost, and coin prices vary tremendously based on size, rarity, and condition.

You can also buy individual coins and have them custom-made into unique designs that add meaning and sentimental value that will be treasured for generations to come.

Either way, coins can bring extra-special, unexpected delight to your valentine gift.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply looking for a special gift, be sure to browse the selection of U.S. and foreign coins and banknotes available online from The Great American Coin Company®. Our inventory is constantly changing, so be sure to check back often.