Product Details

The concept is simple and completely genius: a miniature 14K gold box charm that opens to reveal a real folded dollar bill inside, with a dollar sign engraved on the lid. Mad Money charms were a mid-century phenomenon. The idea being that a well-dressed woman should always have emergency funds on her person, and if you're going to carry mad money, you might as well carry it in solid gold. The box opens cleanly, the dollar bill is visible through the sides, and the dollar sign engraving on top leaves absolutely no ambiguity about what's inside. These are genuinely rare. Mid-century 14K novelty charms with functioning mechanisms were made in limited quantities and most ended up broken, lost, or melted. Finding one intact with the original dollar bill is the kind of thing that makes serious charm collectors stop scrolling. Condition: Estate excellent. Opens and closes properly. Original dollar bill present. Natural gold patina consistent with age. Key Features: Material: 14K yellow gold Design: Hinged box opens to reveal folded dollar bill Engraving: Dollar sign on lid Function: Fully operational opening mechanism, original bill intact Era: Mid-century, 1950s to 1960s Style: Novelty charm, Mad Money, mechanical charm Wear: Pendant or charm bracelet Condition: Estate excellent