19th – early 20th century, Berber, Morocco
This is exactly what is so special about tribal jewelry: a transforming or heightening of one object into another. The Berber do this very often with coins like this piece. It was an old Spanish coin softened from time and then wear as jewelry. Then the artist scalloped the edges and etched one side with a traditional design. Perfection. The chain is sterling.
One of a kind
Charm: approximately 1 1/16″
Sterling chain: 24″