Charming - Vintage 21K & 14K Gold Imperio Mexicano Emperador Maximiliano Coin Charm Ring (VR869)

Charming - Vintage 21K & 14K Gold Imperio Mexicano Emperador Maximiliano Coin Charm Ring. This fabulous ring is crafted from 21K gold coins, and 14K gold, hallmarked with a partially cut off 14K gold hallmark, tested. The ring features 3 Mexican Emperador Maximiliano coins, dated 1865, Victorian/Vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. This unique ring is called a charm ring, which is comprised of a tapered textured solid band, chains, and 3 wonderful coins. Charm rings were popular in the Victorian era, however this ring was most likely made in the 1960s, which showcases the rich gold petite token coins. The band is textured all the way around, however the shank can still be sized easily. This Vintage/Victorian style ring looks fabulous when worn, truly a wonderful unique ring to be cherished for many years to come. 

Note: Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the value of vintage and antique jewelry. 

History: Maximilian I was an Austrian archduke who became emperor of the Second Mexican Empire from 10 April 1864 until his execution by the Mexican Republic on 19 June 1867. A member of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, Maximilian was the younger brother of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. 

Benito Juárez's anti-imperialistic forces successfully defeated the French, who made a complete withdrawal from Mexico by 1867. Emperor Maximilian was also shot to death by Juárez's forces that year.

With his policies of war and marriage, Emperor Maximilian I laid the foundations upon which the Habsburgs rose to become a great power. His principal residence was at Innsbruck, which was expanded during his reign. In addition to extending his power base, he promoted science and the arts.

Maximilian was guilty of making a number of political errors, particularly in attempting to introduce new, more liberal measures. Charlotte (his wife) left Mexico in 1866 to plead Maximilian's case before Napoleon III and the pope. Unsuccessful in her attempts, she suffered a nervous breakdown and never returned to Mexico.

He remained loyal to the citizens of his adopted country until his death, uttering these last words: "I pray that my blood, which is about to be shed, will be shed for the good of this country. Long live Mexico! Long live independence!" 

Maximilian was also guilty of making a number of political errors, particularly in attempting to introduce new, more liberal measures. Charlotte left Mexico in 1866 to plead Maximilian's case before Napoleon III and the pope. Unsuccessful in her attempts, she suffered a nervous breakdown and never returned to Mexico.

Mexican gold tokens began being produced in 1949 and continues to this day. They range from 8k to 22k gold, and a few varieties were also struck in silver. By in large, Mexican gold tokens are mostly related to Maximilian who ruled Mexico from 1864-1867. In addition, there are tokens bearing both Maximilian and his wife Carlota; tokens bearing Cuauhtemoc, the last emperor of the Aztecs; and tokens bearing Augustin I Iturbide who ruled Mexico from 1822-1823. I list each of these categories separately and also have separate listings for miscellaneous tokens that don't fit within those types, and listings for small-sized gold copies of Mexican gold coins. These tokens are commonly referred to as Mexico Gold Fantasy tokens, but have also been misrepresented on Ebay and elsewhere as the original coins, or gold 1 Peso coins. They were made for collectors, jewelry use, tourists visiting Mexico, and as marriage tokens. Although a number of these were used as marriage tokens, none are marked as such. Non-gold marriage tokens such as these were made specifically for that purpose. (See Forrest Stevens website for excellent information and variety listings of Marriage/Arras tokens.)

Measurements: Ring (Width) 9.00 mm   Dangle 28.00 mm x 10.00 mm    Coins 10.00 mm each 

Weight: 5.30 grams 

Ring Size: 7 1/2 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Ring America      Coins: Mexico 

Date: Ring Circa 1960    Coins: Dated 1865, however made after 1949.