+ECplus3 Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 (edited) My wife loves amber. It is probably her favourite gemstone. So of course I've always got my eye out for something amber-y whenever we go antiquing or hit the yard sales. Just before Christmas last year I was at an estate sale when I found a beautiful brooch with a piece of amber nearly an inch across as the centrepiece. In the amber was an inclusion of an insect wing. It was just the wing but it was perfectly preserved so that you could see every tiny line. Of course, it went for way more than I could afford. But it gave me the idea for a coin... It has taken me a long time to find a mint that could produce this coin for me, but I have finally found one that I have confidence in to do the job. The production of this coin will take several steps and require no less than 6 moulds! I'm not revealing the whole design yet, but here is what the top will look like: The coin will be 50mm in diameter and 5mm thick (8mm including the amber dome). It will be available in Antique Bronze, Antique Nickel, Antique Copper, and Satin Gold. There may be some special editions as well. The coin will be trackable and have a unique icon. It should be available this Fall. Edited August 9, 2011 by E&Cplus3 Quote Link to comment
+pastor_b Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 (edited) great (and innovative) idea! If possible, I would like one of each version Edited August 9, 2011 by Pastor_B Quote Link to comment
+scificollector Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Another great design. Quote Link to comment
+goosefraba1 Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Now that is awesome! Great design! Quote Link to comment
+Serchnsoul Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Great design and great idea! I can't wait to see the final product! Quote Link to comment
+MoonCatKDT & Peanut Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Nice! That's a really cool idea - reminded me of Jurassic Park Quote Link to comment
+yanagi Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Wow, great idea! Really looking forward to see how it comes to reality! Quote Link to comment
+gardengorilla Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Wow Chuck! Great idea and design (did you get the go ahead from Mother nature? ) JK. Anyway...you know fossils of any type are my thing so count me in! Quote Link to comment
+goosefraba1 Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 So... I guess my question is... what is being used as the resin? Quote Link to comment
+JoenGPS Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Put us on the list .... very unique! Quote Link to comment
+ECplus3 Posted August 9, 2011 Author Share Posted August 9, 2011 So... I guess my question is... what is being used as the resin? The resin is actually a special clear epoxy with some colour added. The mint I chose does this all the time to make paperweights. They create the mould for the paperweight, half fill it with epoxy and place the dragonfly in it. Then they finish filling it and let it harden. Quote Link to comment
+Smort78 Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Good idea - can't wait to see the finished coin Quote Link to comment
+goosefraba1 Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 So... I guess my question is... what is being used as the resin? The resin is actually a special clear epoxy with some colour added. The mint I chose does this all the time to make paperweights. They create the mould for the paperweight, half fill it with epoxy and place the dragonfly in it. Then they finish filling it and let it harden. That's what I figured... awesome idea! Quote Link to comment
+ice13-333 Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 That would come out great! Hope to see it in the future... Quote Link to comment
+JackHoe Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Looks like a great idea. Can't wait to see the result. I'm afraid this one also goes on my wishlist Quote Link to comment
WanderingWoodsman Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Superb. Would love to see it in the future. Quote Link to comment
+AtlantaGal Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 When I saw the title, I thought someone was a Fringe fan, lol Quote Link to comment
+Team_Romeo Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Very nice! Can't wait to see more of the design. Quote Link to comment
+GeoCharmer81 Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 WAY COOL!!! I put this one on my watchlist. Maybe you can post pics of the progress??? It seems like many are interested in seeing the steps involved in making this coin. Really hope I can afford one of these!!! Quote Link to comment
+LionsLair Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 very nice, I'll keep my eye on this one! Quote Link to comment
+Greenish Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Seriously loving this one! Quote Link to comment
+LewisClan77 Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Sweet. I love amber too. Can't wait to see how they turn out. Quote Link to comment
+Toojin Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 This is going to be wonderful and one of the few coins that goes on my must have list. Major congratulations and kudos on the communication skills and patience it had to have taken to get your desires across!! Quote Link to comment
+mpilchfamily Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I'll be looking for this one. Will the "Amber" be an epoxy resin or acrylic coating? Quote Link to comment
avroair Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 That's really cool. I had a similar idea planned for next year. Guess that gets shelved. Kudos on a fun design! Quote Link to comment
Colorado Bear Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 The dragonfly is it a real one or a minted one? Either way great idea, keep us posted, I am in for at least 2. Jay Quote Link to comment
+keewee Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 What an absolutely amazing design! Congratulations to you!!! I'll be watching out for when they appear. Quote Link to comment
+Degai Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 I love amber, too! I actually have a piece with an insect inside! Please put me down for a couple! What a wonderful design. Quote Link to comment
+ElliPirelli Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 I love amber, too! I actually have a piece with an insect inside! Please put me down for a couple! What a wonderful design. Me too! Well me too to both, actually. I love amber and I'd like to get some of these innovative designs! Hopefully I won't miss the sale date... Quote Link to comment
+anne.and.eli Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 What a fantastic idea!!! It looks amazing. I'll definitely be picking one of these up. Gorgeous work as always! Quote Link to comment
+Where'sMyMarbles Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 Amazing!! You never disappoint! Quote Link to comment
+Shadow's Friend Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Very nice design! Quote Link to comment
+007BigD Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Fall, eh?... Looking forward to it! Very nice indeed! Quote Link to comment
+pbowenwalker Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 I love the concept and I love the design. Perhaps you can follow this up with Meganeura - giant fossil dragonfly from the Carboniferous. I will be purchasing one - add me to your mailing list. (I will put a "search" on ebay to be notified when its released - what will it be called?) Thanks for sharing this with us. Quote Link to comment
+fox-and-the-hound Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Very cool idea! I can't even imagine how hard this is going to be on minters so bully for you for tackling this idea! Can't wait to see the results Quote Link to comment
+tsunrisebey Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Neat concept, can't wait to see it. It kind of reminds me a bit of a geocoin that came out a few years ago, originating out of Europe. I can't remember the name of it, I have one version though. It had that "1/2" resin type stone in the middle of it and you could see the design underneath the stone (which was perfectly round and smooth). Maybe I should go to the pictionary thread and draw it tsun Quote Link to comment
+AmphibianTrackers Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 I would like to be on the list for this one. I am new to collecting so when it comes time to pay, please let me know. Quote Link to comment
+Smort78 Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Neat concept, can't wait to see it. It kind of reminds me a bit of a geocoin that came out a few years ago, originating out of Europe. I can't remember the name of it, I have one version though. It had that "1/2" resin type stone in the middle of it and you could see the design underneath the stone (which was perfectly round and smooth). Maybe I should go to the pictionary thread and draw it tsun Are you thinking about the Geocaching Skill coins? (Pictures borrowed from geocoincollection.com) Quote Link to comment
+tsunrisebey Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Neat concept, can't wait to see it. It kind of reminds me a bit of a geocoin that came out a few years ago, originating out of Europe. I can't remember the name of it, I have one version though. It had that "1/2" resin type stone in the middle of it and you could see the design underneath the stone (which was perfectly round and smooth). Maybe I should go to the pictionary thread and draw it tsun Are you thinking about the Geocaching Skill coins? (Pictures borrowed from geocoincollection.com) That's the one, thanks Stig Quote Link to comment
+turtlemcclure Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 Put me in for one please! Quote Link to comment
+Vanelle Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 Beautiful idea. Will look forward to picking one up. Quote Link to comment
GregsonVaux Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 I'm curious to hear about the status of this coin. Quote Link to comment
+tsunrisebey Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 I think he's still working on trapping the dragonflies for the coins. It probably hasn't warmed up enough to catch a few hundred more winged creatures where he lives Quote Link to comment
+Crowesfeat30 Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 I think he's still working on trapping the dragonflies for the coins. It probably hasn't warmed up enough to catch a few hundred more winged creatures where he lives ROFL, Tsun! Can't wait so see these. CF30 Quote Link to comment
+ECplus3 Posted March 15, 2012 Author Share Posted March 15, 2012 Hi everyone! Thanks for your patience with this design. I got discouraged a few months ago when I just couldn't make headway in explaining what I wanted to the new mint. They are not familiar with geocoins, but are very good at suspending things in acrylic, which is what I need. The language barrier is much greater at this mint than my regular one too. Bringing this thread back has given me the kick I needed to try again. I'm trying to simplify the design a bit without compromizing my idea. I'm also replacing the all-metal dragonfly with a cast body and transparent wings with a printed design. This should allow more detail and make it a bit more natural-looking. I also have to explain edge molds and tracking numbers to them. *sigh* Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.