Domed Coin Tortoise Necklace Tonga Turtle 1 Seniti Brass Animal Pendant 1974

Description

I used an an authentic brass coin from Tonga, dated 1974, to create this necklace. The front features Tu'i Malila, a Radiated Tortoise (Geochelone radiata) from Madagascar given to the Tongan Royal Family by Captain Cook in 1777. The tortoise died in 1965 at an estimated age 188 years and is the longest-lived tortoise whose age has been verified. The back is an effigy of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV facing right with the date, 1974. I cleaned, drilled, domed, and polished this coin. The small, shiny coin is made from brass and has a diameter of 5/8 inch (16mm). It hangs from an 18 inch (45.7cm) rhodium-plated cable chain secured by a lobster clasp. The chain can be shortened upon request. The brass is a nice gold-color with a shiny patina