Beech Tree News Network

 Loose coins.  They are everywhere from under the couch cushions, the floorboards of your car, and stowed away in jars for rainy day funds.  One thing you don’t expect to be done with them is the creation of jewelry.  Brice Wilson of the Twisted Nickel is doing exactly that…making unique pieces of jewelry from his collection of coins.  Rings and earrings are his main items right now but he is exploring other pieces as well.

 I arrived in the rain for the interview and Brice met me with an umbrella.  He hollered from the muddy path and asked if I was dainty, I laughed and said no.  He replied good, put his umbrella up and went into his small outbuilding that is home to The Twisted Nickel.  Laughing to myself I followed the path that lead to his shop not knowing what to expect inside.  The building itself is just as interesting as his hobby.  I asked if he built his shop and he replied no, it was a home for an Amish family and the gentleman was expecting another child so he sold it and built another one.  He then had it moved to his farm to convert into his workshop.  There’s a little potbellied stove, a table with tools, and a few folding chairs.  It was mind blowing to know that a family of four lived in such a small space, perhaps we don’t need as much room as we think we do.

For over forty years Brice was a career coal miner and never wore rings.  During our interview he had on several of his creations.  He said he never wore any jewelry until about a year ago when retired and began learning how to make the rings.  When asked how he came about his new hobby he said he wanted something to do after retirement and started researching various sites and blogs about jewelry making and reached out to others in reference to making pieces from coins.  He enjoys his new hobby and has begun to attend various festivals selling his pieces.  The process can be long in the steps that Brice takes to make the rings and earrings and he takes great pride in his work making sure that each piece is in great condition before it leaves his hands. 

The jewelry ranges in price depending on the coins value and its content.  For example, coins minted in 1964 and before are 90% silver, during the years of 1970-1984 there were no silver in coins.  Newer coins are a mixture of copper and silver.  Those coins that are pre 1964 and other collector coins such as the half dollar and Susan B. Anthony coins are more expensive due to their value and the extreme care that must be taken not to damage them during the process of making jewelry.

Keep a look out for him around festivals this summer because you are liable to see him with his table set up.  If you want to view Brice’s art and are interested in buying feel free to contact him at 270-791-9452.