Reaching 90 is a milestone of exceptional significance - a celebration of nine full decades of life, love, wisdom, and memories. It's a once-in-a-lifetime achievement that deserves recognition with a gift as extraordinary as the person receiving it. For those born in 1936 who will celebrate their 90th birthday in 2026, there's something profoundly touching about receiving a gift that connects them to the very year their remarkable journey began. Our handcrafted collection, made from authentic 1936 British coins, offers exactly that: a piece of history transformed into a treasured heirloom.
1936: A year of historic transition
1936 was one of the most remarkable years in British history, A year that saw three kings on the throne. King George V, who had reigned since 1910, passed away in January. His son briefly became King Edward VIII, only to abdicate in December for love, leading to the unexpected coronation of King George VI. It was a year of constitutional crisis, royal drama, and ultimately, the beginning of a new era that would see Britain through its darkest and finest hours.
Beyond the royal upheaval, 1936 was a year of significant events. The BBC began the world's first regular high‑definition public TV service, the Crystal Palace burned down, and the Jarrow March highlighted the struggles of working people during the Depression. It was a year of change, challenge, and the kind of history that shapes nations.
The coins minted for circulation in 1936 all bear the portrait of George V; designs for Edward VIII were prepared but never issued, making any surviving pieces with his likeness pattern coins of exceptional rarity. For someone celebrating their 90th birthday, a piece of jewellery crafted from a 1936 coin is more than beautiful - it's a connection to the year they were born, a reminder of the world they entered, and a celebration of the nine remarkable decades that followed.
Handcrafted with reverence in Cambridge
In our Mintique of Cambridge workshop, we transform these authentic 1936 coins into exquisite pieces that honour both their historical significance and the extraordinary milestone they represent. Each coin is carefully selected, handled with deep respect for its nearly 90-year history, and crafted into something beautiful and meaningful. The process requires considerable skill, patience, and an understanding that we're working with more than just metal - we're working with history, memory, and legacy.
Coins from 1936 are increasingly rare and precious. Nearly nine decades old, they've survived wars, economic changes, currency reforms, and the passage of time itself. To transform one into jewellery is to give it new purpose and new life, honouring its past while creating something that will be treasured for generations to come.
Featured pieces from our 90th birthday collection
British threepence silver coin cufflinks: Regal distinction
Our British threepence silver coin cufflinks are the perfect tribute to a gentleman celebrating his 90th birthday. The threepence was a substantial, beautifully designed coin, and those from 1936 were minted in actual silver, giving them a lustre and weight that makes them ideal for transformation into distinguished cufflinks.
These cufflinks are perfect for a man who has lived through nine decades of history - who remembers the 1930s, lived through World War II, witnessed the post-war recovery, saw the social changes of the 1960s and 70s, and adapted to the technological revolution of recent decades. They're sophisticated enough for the most formal family occasions, meaningful enough to wear with pride, and substantial enough to reflect the weight of 90 years well-lived.
Every time he fastens them, for a birthday celebration, a great-grandchild's wedding, or any special occasion, he'll be reminded of his birth year, the historic era he was born into, and the love and respect behind your gift. They're not just accessories; they're wearable history, personal heritage, and a daily reminder of an extraordinary life.
Shilling coin keyring: Daily connection to 1936
Our shilling coin keyring offers a practical yet deeply sentimental way to carry a piece of 1936 history every single day. The shilling was one of the most familiar coins in pre-decimal currency - substantial, well-designed, and used by everyone. A 1936 shilling carries the weight of history, having circulated through the Depression years, the war, and beyond.
This keyring is perfect for anyone celebrating their 90th birthday, regardless of gender. It's ideal for those who appreciate gifts that combine deep sentiment with daily functionality, who value things they can use and enjoy, or who might find traditional jewellery impractical at this stage of life.
Every time they reach for their keys they'll hold a piece of 1936 in their hands. They'll be reminded of the year they were born, the history they've witnessed, and the love of the family and friends who chose such a thoughtful gift. It's a small gesture with profound meaning, a daily connection to their birth year and the remarkable journey they've travelled.
For someone who has lived 90 years, who has seen and experienced so much, this simple keyring becomes a powerful talisman - a daily reminder that they are loved, remembered, and honoured.
The perfect recipients
Our 1936 coin collection is designed for anyone born in that historic year who will celebrate their 90th birthday in 2026. Whether you're a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild honouring a beloved elder, a spouse celebrating a lifetime together, a friend marking decades of friendship, or a family collectively honouring a matriarch or patriarch, these pieces speak from the heart.
They're particularly meaningful for:
- Those who have reached the extraordinary milestone of nine decades
- The keepers of family history and living memory
- Fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers who are the pillars of the family
- Mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers who are the heart of the family
- Anyone who values British history and remembers the 1930s
- Those who appreciate handcrafted quality and authentic historical artifacts
- People who prefer meaningful, practical gifts over purely decorative items
- Anyone celebrating 90 years of life, resilience, and wisdom
The extraordinary significance of 90
Ninety years is an exceptional achievement. It's nine full decades of experiences, relationships, challenges overcome, and joys celebrated. For those born in 1936, it represents a lifetime that spans from the Depression era to the digital age, from the year of three kings to the modern monarchy, from a world on the brink of war to today's interconnected global society.
This generation has witnessed more change than perhaps any other in history. They were children during the late 1930s and World War II, teenagers in the post-war recovery, young adults during the optimistic 1950s and revolutionary 1960s, parents during times of social and economic change, grandparents during the technological revolution, and great-grandparents in the digital age.
They are living history - the last generation with clear memories of the 1930s and 40s, the ones who can tell first-hand stories of a world that seems impossibly distant to younger generations. They are the links between past and present, the wise elders whose perspective spans nearly a century, the keepers of family stories and traditions that might otherwise be lost.
A gift that honours this milestone should reflect its extraordinary significance. Our 1936 coin jewellery does exactly that. It acknowledges the journey, celebrates the person, honours the historic era they were born into, and creates a tangible connection between 1936 and the present day.
The beauty of nearly century-old coins
Coins that are nearly 90 years old carry a special quality that newer items simply cannot replicate. Each 1936 coin has its own story - the wear patterns from decades of use, the patina developed over nearly nine decades, the knowledge that this exact coin circulated through Depression-era Britain, might have been used during the war, and survived to tell its tale.
The silver threepence coins from 1936 are particularly beautiful. Made from silver, they have a lustre and weight that modern coins lack. They were crafted with care and attention to detail, designed to last, and they have for nearly 90 years.
No two vintage coins are exactly alike. Each is genuinely one-of-a-kind, carrying its own unique history and character, just like the 90-year-old you're honouring. It's not mass-produced; it's not generic; it's unique, authentic, and irreplaceable.
Craftsmanship that honours nine decades
Transforming nearly 90-year-old coins into jewellery requires exceptional skill, experience, and respect for the materials. Each coin must be carefully prepared without compromising its historical integrity. The details - the monarch's portrait, the date, the distinctive designs - must be preserved while creating something beautiful and wearable.
For the threepence cufflinks, the coins must be perfectly matched, balanced, and finished to ensure they're comfortable to wear and will last for future generations. The keyring must be assembled with quality components that honour the significance of the coin itself. Every detail matters because this isn't just an accessory - it's a tribute to 90 years of life and the historic era in which that life began.
Sustainable heritage and timeless values
Our coin jewellery represents sustainable luxury - a concept that resonates deeply with those who have lived 90 years and understand the value of preserving what's precious. Rather than mining new materials, we're giving new life to existing treasures, honouring the past while creating something beautiful for the future.
This approach aligns perfectly with the values of those born in 1936 - a generation that grew up during the Depression and war years, that learned the value of making things last, that understood nothing should be wasted. It's a gift that reflects their own values and life experience, showing that you understand not just their age but who they are.
The gift-giving moment
A gift this meaningful deserves presentation that matches its significance. Each piece arrives beautifully packaged and ready to give, ensuring that the moment of unwrapping is as special as the gift itself.
Imagine the moment when they open the box and discover a piece of 1936. A coin from the year they were born, from the year of three kings, transformed into something beautiful. Imagine the memories it will evoke, the stories it will spark, the connection it will create between their birth year and this momentous 90th birthday. That's the power of a truly thoughtful gift.
For someone who has lived 90 years, who has seen and experienced so much, finding a gift that truly moves them can be challenging. But a piece of their birth year, carrying nearly a century of history and the warmth of your love, has the power to touch their heart in a way few other gifts can.
Planning ahead for 2026
While 2026 may seem distant, thoughtful gift-givers understand the value of planning ahead, especially for milestone birthdays as extraordinary as a 90th. Our 1936 coin collection is carefully curated, and authentic coins from this historic year are increasingly rare and precious. Nearly 90 years old, they're finite resources that become more valuable and harder to find with each passing year.
By exploring the collection now, you have the luxury of time to consider which piece best suits your recipient's needs and preferences. Would they appreciate the distinguished presence of the threepence cufflinks? Would they treasure the daily practicality and sentiment of the shilling keyring? Taking time to choose thoughtfully ensures you find the perfect piece for this once-in-a-lifetime milestone.
More than a gift - a tribute to an extraordinary life
Ninety years is a lifetime of memories, relationships, achievements, and moments that have shaped not just one person but everyone they've touched across multiple generations. Our 1936 coin jewellery isn't merely a birthday gift - it's a tribute to nine decades of life, a recognition of an extraordinary journey, and a tangible connection to history.
It's a future heirloom that will carry their story forward through generations yet to come. It's a conversation piece that will spark memories of the 1930s, the war years, and a lifetime of experiences. It's a daily connection to heritage and history. It's a tangible expression of love, respect, and profound appreciation for 90 remarkable years.
These pieces carry multiple stories: the story of 1936 and the year of three kings, the story of a generation that lived through extraordinary times, the story of the recipient's 90-year journey from that historic year to the present, and the story of your love and thoughtfulness in choosing something so deeply meaningful.
Discover the perfect tribute
Explore our complete collection of 90th birthday gifts and find the perfect piece to celebrate someone truly extraordinary. Whether they're surrounded by loving family spanning four or even five generations, enjoying well-earned peace and comfort, sharing stories of times long past, or simply savouring the wisdom and perspective that comes with nine decades of living, our 1936 coin jewellery offers a gift that honours who they are, where they came from, and the remarkable journey they've travelled.
Because turning 90 isn't just another birthday - it's a once-in-a-lifetime milestone that deserves recognition, celebration, and a gift that honours both the individual and the extraordinary life they've lived. Something handcrafted with skill and reverence. Something steeped in history and meaning. Something that connects the year of three kings to the present day. Something that says, without words, "Thank you for 90 years. Thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for your stories. Thank you for being a living link to history. Thank you for being you."
That's what Mintique of Cambridge 1936 coin jewellery represents. That's the gift you give when someone reaches nine decades. That's how you honour a life that has spanned nearly a century, touched countless others, and created a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
