A Cut Above The Rest

Cut Coin Jewelry literally adds value to any collection. Its makers will be ritzing up the April 15.

With wares made from coins from all over the world, owner and coin-cutter Ken Busby, 74, takes pride in being able to create unique pieces of jewelry out of currency and collectible pieces.

Busby has been cutting coins for more than 40 years. What started out as a hobby turned into a lucrative business that allowed him to quit his job as a quality assurance manager and travel the country with his wife.

“For 17 years my only creation was paperwork,” Busby said. “Now I live every day with the self-satisfaction that comes from creating beauty.”

Busby said he has always had an analytical mind that has spurred his creativity. 

Whether it’s building a boat out of an oil drum or a seat for his wagon, or later, a stagecoach to use with his coin cutting business, he has always seen in things what others do not.

Throughout his career, he has earned acclaim for his detail and was even offered a job at the Franklin Mint.

"It’s a constant challenge to see what I can do,” Busby said.

His creations can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 19 hours to complete. One coin, a 1958 Olympic coin, took 37 hours to finish. 

“It just depends on the detail of what I am doing with it,” he said.

In some cases this includes cutting around the country or state name, adding a flower or creating a background that wasn’t originally there—like in his Canadian Wildlife series.

But Busby doesn’t spend all his time coin cutting.

In June 2011 he joined the Patriot Guard Riders, whose members pay tribute to fallen soldiers by accompanying their families to the funerals. Since joining, he has participated in 60 missions.

“It can be a very emotional thing,” he said.

Busby is especially moved when traveling a route and firefighters with their trucks line up on overpasses to salute the procession as they drive past.

While Busby retired in 2001, he still cuts coins and attends benefits and other special events, including the upcoming barbecue.

Always considerate of the venue, Busby promises to have jewelry that caters to the branches of military and the fire department.

“No matter what, I hope that people will appreciate my work,” he said.

To see first-hand Busby’s cut coin jewelry, stop by the Murrieta Firefighters' Barbecue between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday in front of , 41825 Juniper Street, Murrieta.