The Last Laugh Memento Mori Copper Coin Ring
CoinCrafters previously offered a collection of handcrafted copper coin rings, including the Last Laugh Memento Mori Coin Ring. Although this copper ring is no longer available, we're preserving this article as part of the history of our coin jewelry and craftsmanship.
The phrase memento mori translates to "remember that you must die." The warning serves as a reminder of mortality—that death can come at any time and, ultimately, will always have the last laugh.
The Last Laugh Coin Ring
About the Last Laugh Coin Ring
The Last Laugh ring was individually handcrafted from an uncirculated collectible copper round rather than legal-tender currency. The original collectible round was minted by Anonymous Minting and designed by Julie Lindquist.
The finished copper coin ring weighed approximately 0.75 ounce and measured 11.4 mm in height. When this design was part of our collection, we made the rings in sizes ranging from 9 to 16.
The Last Laugh Coin Ring
Memento Mori and the Symbolism of the Design
Funerary and memorial art has used symbols of mortality for centuries. On the Last Laugh Memento Mori design, the hourglass represents the passage of time, while the crossed reaping blades evoke death and the eventual end of life.
The Latin phrase memento mori has a long history in art and culture as a reminder of human mortality. Rather than simply being a symbol of death, the concept can also serve as a reminder that our time is limited.
A Little About the History of Funerary Art
Funerary art long predates the Victorian era. Ancient civilizations created art and objects associated with death, burial, remembrance, and beliefs about the afterlife. Ancient Egypt is one of the best-known examples, with elaborate tombs, funerary objects, and artwork forming an important part of its culture.
Funerary and mourning imagery also became particularly prominent during the Victorian era. Symbols associated with mortality, remembrance, and mourning appeared in monuments, artwork, jewelry, and other decorative objects.
The Victorian period also saw considerable interest in ancient Egypt and Egyptian-inspired design. Archaeological discoveries and objects brought to European museums helped introduce Egyptian imagery to a wider audience, contributing to a broader fascination with Egyptian art and culture.
The Last Laugh Coin Ring
Part of CoinCrafters History
The Last Laugh was one of four collectible copper coin ring designs previously handcrafted by CoinCrafters. The collection also included Liberty or Death, the $100 Banknote design, and Don't Tread on Me.
Although these copper rings are no longer part of our current collection, we're keeping this article and its photographs as a record of some of the designs we've created over the years.
You can explore our current CoinCrafters coin ring collection to see the handcrafted coin rings available today.
You can also visit the CoinCrafters YouTube channel for more of our coin jewelry and craftsmanship.