Using rare antique coins as found objects, our study of the idea of value – inherent and assigned – manifested into this body of work.

Nothing has an inherent value. Everything has an assigned value. When minted, these coins had value as currency – then were valued just for their gold when they fell out of circulation, and then as time passed as antiques. Now – when set as buttons – their value and purpose changed and will change again when collected and worn. This is the transient/fluid nature of all objects – found, lost, or forgotten.

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Found Objects

Using rare antique coins as found objects, our study of the idea of value – inherent and assigned – manifested into this body of work.

Nothing has an inherent value. Everything has an assigned value. When minted, these coins had value as currency – then were valued just for their gold when they fell out of circulation, and then as time passed as antiques. Now – when set as buttons – their value and purpose changed and will change again when collected and worn. This is the transient/fluid nature of all objects – found, lost, or forgotten.

Vishnu Coin Buttons

The Vishnu Coin Buttons held in hand-drawn 18K rose gold wires feature rare and collectible, certified high-karatage gold coins minted during the Dutch-India occupation in the 1700s.

 1,100,000

Mohur Buttons

The Mohur Buttons in blackened 18k rose gold and Burmese rubies feature rare, collectable and certified high karatage Imperial Mughal gold coins (aka gold mohurs).

 2,250,000