1854 Coin Ring Appraisal

Octagonal 1854 Indian Head Coin-Inspired Gold Ring

This is a vintage yellow gold signet-style ring featuring an octagonal bezel. The top of the ring showcases a relief design depicting a profile of a Native American wearing a feathered headdress, modeled after the Indian Head design found on United States gold coinage. Below the profile, the date '1854' is clearly stamped. The bezel has a unique eight-sided geometric shape with slightly rounded corners. The ring appears to be constructed from a high-karat yellow gold, showing a warm, deep luster characteristic of 14k or 18k gold. The profile is surrounded by miniature stars along the upper curve, further mimicking numismatic motifs. In terms of condition, the piece shows significant signs of wear and age-related patina. The central relief is heavily smoothed and softened from decades of use, particularly on the facial features and the date. There are visible surface scratches, small nicks, and dings across the face and the outer edges of the octagonal frame. Although the 1854 date suggests a mid-19th-century origin, the style of the ring mount and the particular rendering of the head suggest it is likely a late Victorian or early 20th-century piece of jewelry incorporating a souvenir or tribute coin-like medallion rather than a circulating US currency coin. The band, or shank, appears to taper slightly and shows manual casting or fabrication marks where it meets the head of the ring, indicating a handcrafted quality.