This is your official entry into the Memento Mori Collection. The first of six in the Dead Presidents Series.
Memento Mori (remember you must die) is the oldest wake-up call in human history.
So we asked ourselves:
What’s the most powerful way to express that idea in physical form?
The answer was hiding in American history.
Hobo Nickel Art
During the Great Depression, men rode freight trains with nothing but loose change and a pocket knife. Out of desperation and creativity, they carved buffalo nickels into raw, expressive works of art — skulls, faces, and characters.
Danthoms, CC Wikimedia Commons
Today, those hand-carved nickels are highly sought-after American folk art.
This is our modern take.
The Dead Presidents Series
Each coin reimagines an iconic presidential portrait through that raw hobo nickel lens — skull, vertebrae, suit, and all.
- Designed in Detroit, Michigan
- Released one at a time starting with Lincoln (1 of 6)
- Limited to 100 per edition
- Unique serial number engraved on the top edge
Here are the specs of each piece:
- Diameter: 1.5 inches
- Thickness: 4 mm
- Weight: 32 grams
- Material: Premium copper-zinc alloy
- Strike: CNC die-struck in high relief
- Finish: Antique silver, sandblasted + brushed
Now, take a second…really look at it.
Pick it up and the first thing you notice is the weight.
32 grams feels beefy in the hand.
As you turn it, the high-relief catches the light, making the details pop.
Flip it over…
At first glance, the design echoes a 1943 wheat penny.
Look closer at the top and you’ll see we swapped E PLURIBUS UNUM with MEMENTO MORI.
The rest stayed untouched. The hobo nickel guys rarely altered the reverse. It felt right to keep that tradition.
Now, tilt it toward you.
Notice the top edge…
That’s where you’ll find your serial number.
Flip it back to the front and you’ll catch details like this…
1865—the year Lincoln was assassinated.
Look at the texture and lettering…
Pure eye candy.
And here’s an easter egg…
A tiny "GH" maker's mark in the wheat stalk.
Every detail on this piece was intentional.
But getting here wasn’t a straight line.
When the first batch of coins arrived, we knew instantly… they did not meet our standards.
The beveled edge was too large, which made them feel thin and lightweight.
So we sent them back—and started over from scratch.
What you’re getting now reflects the weight, feel, and detail we were aiming for from day one.
Here's Everything You Get With Lincoln
Every serious collection needs a paper trail. You get two premium cards that do the job.
Certificate of Authenticity
Your Lincoln edition comes with a soft-touch COA that feels premium in hand, and is individually tied to your piece.
Your COA arrives hand-numbered in gold lettering.
The reverse side has Lincoln’s story, and the meaning behind the collection.
Memento Registry Card
This is where you’ll track the progress of your collection.
Just write Lincoln’s initials and your serial number in the first box… and let the obsession begin.
Six boxes. One for each president.
This is where it all ties together.
The Collection Display
For the first release only, your purchase includes a custom, 7-slot display that we created in-house.
It’s designed to hold all 6 coins, 6 COAs, plus your Memento Registry Card — bringing your entire collection together in one place.
How Pricing Works
We’re releasing the Dead Presidents Series one at a time — starting with Lincoln, followed by:
- Washington
- JFK
- Jefferson
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- and Ben Franklin
Their death year sets the price:
- Lincoln (1865) - $65
- Washington (1799) - $99
- JFK (1963) - $63
- Jefferson (1826) - $26
- Franklin D. Roosevelt (1945) - $45
- Ben Franklin (1790) - $90
That’s an average cost of just $64.67 across the full six-coin set.
How Serial Numbers Are Assigned
The Lincoln Edition drops on Tuesday, May 12th at 12:00 PM EST.
Your serial number is assigned the moment your order is placed and cannot be changed later. The earlier you check out, the lower your serial number — starting at 002/100 (we’re vaulting 001 for now).
If you’re planning to collect the full series, you will have the opportunity to keep that same number across the full series.
Once all 100 are claimed, this edition is gone for good.
Missing this release means your full six-coin Memento Mori set will have a permanent gap.
Be ready on May 12th at 12 PM EST.
Maximum 2 per customer.
Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed
If for any reason you're not happy with your Lincoln Edition, just send it back within 30 days for a prompt and courteous refund.
Thank you for your support,
— James & Brenda from Detroit, MI
The Memento Mori Collection is an original series of art collectibles inspired by classic U.S. coin designs and hobo nickel craftsmanship. Each piece is die-struck in zinc/copper alloy (not silver or precious metal). Not legal tender. Not a product of the U.S. Mint. Not affiliated with the U.S. Government in any way.