Russian crafter Roman Booteen modified a United States dollar coin to mechanically grip and ungrip a sword with the press of a button. His pieces usually sell upwards of $10,000, though he doesn't list prices and only sells when somebody makes him an offer he likes. Roman's tribute to Banksy's Girl with Balloon is crafted from a quarter ounce of 9999 fine gold, ensuring the lasting value of this strictly limited heirloom. Each Banksy Coin ships in a custom Booteen box, and includes a tiny wooden easel for displaying this rare beauty. Girl with Balloon first appeared in 2002 on London's Waterloo Bridge. Russian Artist Roman Booteen has developed quite a fan-following on Instagram where he shares photos and videos of his masterpieces. While hand-graved coins alone are cause for fascination, this artist has also added incredible Mechanical elements to his coins too which make the coins a marvel of both engineering and art.
Russian engineering artist Roman Booteen, who creates absolutely gorgeous, intricate carvings on retired coins, has continued his painstaking bas-relief work with metal currency. His most recent work includes sword-grasping hand that mechanically flexes inside a 1921 US Dollar coin through the use of a push-button hidden along the coin's edge.
Here are some other examples of Booteen's exquisite work.
Roman Booteen Coins For Sale
https://www.instagram.com/p/CASgl95CMlE/https://www.instagram.com/p/B3eS77vIVX4/https://www.instagram.com/p/BzLO9bsjECy/via My Modern Met
Roman Booteen
Boasting an equally unrivaled talent on a different canvas, Hobo Nickel Master Engraver Roman Booteen's creations set the gold standard for other aspiring coin engravers. The designer of The Trap with the Golden Bait, Gold Bug & The Holy Grail - unbelievably intricate works of art etched onto a tiny round metal canvas - pays tribute to one of his admired inspirations with his latest creation, Banksy.
Handmade Art Coin Carved By Roman Booteen
Like Banksy, Booteen is incredibly private in his fame, and few details are known about the life of the artist and his work, especially as it relates to influencing future projects or even acquiring an existing creation. Booteen repeatedly refuses to make his creations available to the public, partially due to the questionable legality surrounding the defacement of circulating coinage, as well as the restrictions surrounding the sale and transport of precious metals. But maybe the reality is more like the mystery surrounding Banksy, best summarized in Brad Pitt's characterization:
Here are some other examples of Booteen's exquisite work.
Roman Booteen Coins For Sale
https://www.instagram.com/p/CASgl95CMlE/https://www.instagram.com/p/B3eS77vIVX4/https://www.instagram.com/p/BzLO9bsjECy/via My Modern Met
Roman Booteen
Boasting an equally unrivaled talent on a different canvas, Hobo Nickel Master Engraver Roman Booteen's creations set the gold standard for other aspiring coin engravers. The designer of The Trap with the Golden Bait, Gold Bug & The Holy Grail - unbelievably intricate works of art etched onto a tiny round metal canvas - pays tribute to one of his admired inspirations with his latest creation, Banksy.
Handmade Art Coin Carved By Roman Booteen
Like Banksy, Booteen is incredibly private in his fame, and few details are known about the life of the artist and his work, especially as it relates to influencing future projects or even acquiring an existing creation. Booteen repeatedly refuses to make his creations available to the public, partially due to the questionable legality surrounding the defacement of circulating coinage, as well as the restrictions surrounding the sale and transport of precious metals. But maybe the reality is more like the mystery surrounding Banksy, best summarized in Brad Pitt's characterization:
Original Roman Booteen Coins
'These days, everyone is trying to be famous,but he has anonymity,' - Brad Pitt
