Vintage Love Token Coin with Jim

A short history lesson: Love tokens are coins where at least one side has been smoothed down and engraved with initials, names, phrases, and/or scenes. Quality of engraving ranges from amateurish hand-etching to gorgeous, ornate calligraphy. These were often given to young ladies by suitors but they were sometimes exchanged by family members as well. The manufacture and practice of giving love tokens originated in Great Britain in the early 1800's and then migrated to the U.S. in the mid- to late- 1800's. It's easy to guess a token's age by just checking the coin's date!

The front of this silver love token has the name "Jim" in beautiful calligraphy with an ornate border around the edge. The back side is a seated Liberty dime from the U.S. dated 1875. I hung it from a sterling silver chain made in Italy. Overall length is 19" (9 1/2" drop).