Tiny Edwardian Coins

[Guest cmother1]

Hello. For years I've wondered about the origins of a pair of cufflinks that I inherited. They've been in the family since well before WW2. They are made from two Edward VII coins (dated 1909)which look just like half sovreigns except they are made of copper and are only 5/8 of an inch in diameter. Does anyone have any idea of what they are? They seem to be 'professionally' struck, even down to a very fine milled edge. Sadly they've had a loop soldered to the George and the dragon side so are probably ruined.

Many thanks.

[bagerap]

From what is visible it seems likely that they are made from play money struck by the German firm of Lauer.

[copper123]

yes they are lauer pieces

Totally worthless to coin collectors but can you reuse them for something else?

[Guest cmother1]

Thanks for the info, chaps.

My dad told me a story about how a door to door antique buyer made an offer for them to my grandma in the 1930s, and even came back for a second attempt after she turned him down. Sounds like she really should have taken the money!

Oh well, I suppose I could always use them as cufflinks, though why anyone would want to go around wearing 2 tiny portraits of Edward VII is beyongd me...

Thanks again.

[bagerap]

You would probably be surprised at the prices some toy coins fetch. It's quite possible that a collector would pay sensible money for these.

[Peter]

Nice cuff links though.Better than 1967 6d's.