Coin Buttons

In the Big Book of Buttons there is a whole section devoted to ‘Coin and Coin-like’ buttons. In this section, they explain that silver coins have often been adapted for use as fasteners since the 18th century, if not earlier. Sometimes the coins were completely defaced, and merely used as  the basis for a button either with holes drilled or else a shank attached; at other times buttons have been made in imitation of coins merely as a fashion item.

Designed to look like an ancient Roman or Greek coin, but with a ‘Made in Australia’ symbol on the back.

The Woodend Star (Vic), 13th January 1900 page 2.

According to Wikipedia, during the first years of the colonisation of NSW, commodities such as buttons, wheat and rum, as well as the custom of bartering, were used in the absence of coins. As well as some George III one-penny coins, various ‘foreign’ coins were permitted as legal tender.

Coin like buttons have been described on fashionable clothing many times …

Clarence and Richmond Examiner (NSW), 12th July 1904 page 3.

The Tribune (Philippines) 8th November 1935 page 20.

“Gilt Roman-coin buttons are a youthful fashion note.”

William Smith, the proprietor of the Manly Merry-go-round in the early part of the 20th century was known as Sovereign Smith, due to his wearing clothes adorned with gold soveriegns in lieu of buttons.

Freeman’s Journal (Sydney), 10th February 1906, page 19.

And then are the times that buttons and other tokens were passed off as real coins …

Goulburn Evening Post (NSW), 19th February 1916 page 2.

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