Venezuela .900 Silver Bolivar coins 1953 Paperweight and Ashtray Set - Unique

 

This is unique and very well-made engraved set consisting of solid brass items that were made with Venezuela coins. There is a paperweight and an ashtray. I am selling these as a pair and do not want to break them up as they have apparently always been together.

 

The paperweight has 7 inlaid Venezuela coins. The coins are attached to the surface of the paperweight so I cannot see the opposite sides. The center one looks like a 5 Bolivar or Bolivares large silver coin, measuring 1 7/16” in diameter. There is a 5 Bolivar 1936 coin at the center of the matching ashtray, so I assume that this may be the same coin but as I say I can’t see the reverse. The other coins are a 12 ½ Centimos, a 5 Centimos, and the others I can only see the obverse. One coin in the ring beneath the central coin is larger than the 12 ½ Centimos. The lower edge is engraved “J.D. Brian. Dec. 25. 1953. Caripito Ven. Recuerdo.” It’s possible that these coins are just glued on but I do not want to attempt removal and personally think that they should be left alone. Measures 3 7/16” in diameter at the base.

 

The ashtray has 4 coins inlaid. The central coin I believe is a 5 Bolivar silver coin. It is glued or soldered on edge at the center. The reverse reads “Gram .25 1936 Lei 900,” presumably for .900 silver. The other three coins are 5 Centimos coins that have been bent on opposite edges to accommodate cigarettes and attached to the edge. This one is engraved “J.D. Brian, Caripito. October 23 1953.” The base is also engraved “A. Guardiola,” presumably the artist. Measures 4 1/16” in diameter at the base.

 

Condition of both pieces is excellent. Coins show little wear as far as I can tell.

 

Will send in a medium flat rate priority box. These are fairly heavy.