Renowned jewelry entrepreneur Carolyn Rafaelian has launched a new venture, Alchemist Mint, unveiling a limited-edition commemorative coin collection made with original copper recovered from the Statue of Liberty.
According to Rafaelian, this project represents the first known use of authentic Statue of Liberty material in a commemorative coin. The copper was salvaged during the statue’s restoration between 1984 and 1986 in preparation for its centennial celebration.
Historic Copper Transformed Into Collectible Coins
The inaugural release from Alchemist Mint is an octagonal coin measuring 30 mm in diameter. The obverse features a profile of Lady Liberty with the inscription “Liberty Enlightening the World,” echoing the statue’s official name.
Each coin contains authenticated copper sourced from the documented restoration project and is individually serialized with edge engraving. Purchasers receive archival packaging and comprehensive provenance documentation, including metallurgical analysis and chain-of-custody records that verify the material’s authenticity.
Deliveries for the first collection are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.
Coin Launch Coincides With America’s 250th Anniversary
The release also commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States. The commemorative coins will retail for $250 each. Alchemist Mint has pledged 20% of gross proceeds to nonprofit organizations, including the American Liberty Congress, Special Forces Trust and Purple Heart Homes.
Rafaelian said the project aims to preserve and share a meaningful symbol of liberty and American history with the public.
Sustainable Minting and Future Jewelry Expansion
Alchemist Mint operates as a fully recycled-material mint, Rafaelian says, using reclaimed metals throughout the production process from melting to finishing. This approach underscores an emphasis on sustainability while honoring the historical origin of the metal.
Rafaelian disclosed that she took custody of the Statue of Liberty copper in 2016 from collector Rick Stocks, who preserved pieces removed during the restoration work. Each coin’s provenance documentation details that chain of custody and the metallurgical testing performed to authenticate the copper.
Looking ahead, the company may expand into jewelry. Rafaelian is considering creating wearable frames that would allow the coins to be converted into pendants, offering a way to carry a piece of American history as personal adornment.
Exhibition Planned at Historic Belcourt Mansion
Rafaelian is also steward of Belcourt of Newport, the Gilded Age mansion designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, who was responsible for the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal. To deepen the connection between the coins and American architectural and cultural history, a permanent exhibition showcasing the Statue of Liberty metals collection is scheduled to open at Belcourt in June 2026.