From Proposal to Happily Ever After

“How do I love thee?” 175 years ago the most famous question of the heart was answered with a verb collectors use nearly every day: “Let me count the ways.”*

Wondering how many different ways you can share your love? Let Littleton’s custom coins show you!

The Proposal

Any kind of proposal is a signal of commitment. In Kierstin’s case, the proposal from her long-time love was unexpected. It occurred during a New Year’s Eve party at a ski lodge. The trip was part of a much-needed winter getaway for the busy couple. The surprise moment was fortunately captured on a mobile phone.

Now, how to tell both families who live in two different states she said “Yes!”?

“We wanted something unique for our engagement announcement,” recalled Kierstin, who knew about the personalization program rolled out a couple of years ago. “There are a lot of fun ideas out there, but to me, this one topped the list!”

“This one” is the Kennedy half dollar – “Personally, I prefer the ‘silver look’” – and a vertical 5”x3” protective holder because “it was the best fit for that photo.”

She added, “I had a great time setting this up! I just uploaded my photo, positioned it to my liking, entered the wording, chose the font and colors…and away I went!”

Sending their far-flung families this memento (they have yet to set the date!) was a natural extension of their outgoing personalities. When the time comes to get hitched, Kierstin shared that “I’m leaning toward the silver Eagles in a Showpak^® holder as thank-you gifts for the members of our wedding party.”

Start a Tradition

Traditions give families meaning and opportunities to bond over a shared activity. As Littleton customers know, coins given for birthdays or special events are treasured keepsakes that deepen those connections.

“I’ve been thinking about starting a tradition around coin gifting for a while now,” said Marianne, a mother of two adult children.

When her son told her he popped the question to his girlfriend “I decided to look at the personalized Kennedy half dollar…I liked the idea of giving them a coin featuring their picture.”

As she scanned Custom Coins & Currency, “I saw the ornament option and was sold. I love that it’s something they can take out and enjoy every year on their Christmas tree.”

For Marianne who works in advertising, the mix of options was just right. “There are enough to choose from so that you can try out a variety of fonts, colors and positioning until you get the right mix, but not so many that it’s overwhelming.”

She added “It was easy, especially when I compare it to the various apps and websites I’ve found to be exceedingly frustrating in terms of user experience.”

Equally important was the fact “the interface showed real-time changes.  I could easily adjust fonts, colors, and text placement until it was just the way I wanted it!”

That positive experience boosted her decision about what to gift the couple for their summer wedding. A personalized Showpak with a 2025 American Eagle Silver dollar “caught my eye…and I may make a separate order as a gift to my daughter and her boyfriend, as well!”

Happily Ever

As many Littleton customers know, our annual “Happy Anniversary!” Showpaks featuring the latest American Eagle Silver dollar make meaningful and easy-to-give gifts. But more customers are starting to find creative satisfaction in designing a personalized anniversary keepsake with our service.

“I’ve been familiar with Littleton Coin Company for a while,” commented Josh, a data analyst. “When I found out they now had a personalized product service, I had to try it out.” 

Josh was so enthusiastic that he tried three different options for his upcoming 15th wedding anniversary. “Here, this is what I did on a bank note,” he said, showing me the 5.8” x 2.25” colorized $2 note that featured a photo of their wedding party. It was taken outdoors and under a shade tree.

“It really captured the spirit and happiness of the day,” he went on. “But I discovered it came out too dark, so I’m going to have to lighten the photo on my own computer before I try uploading it again…

“…or, choose a different picture where there is more contrast.”

Then he showed me a colorized Kennedy half dollar in a holder. To celebrate a previous anniversary, Josh had a custom sign made with their names and wedding date.  That was the image he used for the Kennedy half. “This will be a perfect gift for my wife.”

Then, with a mischievous smile, Josh added, “And here’s one I did of ‘my old lady’ Layla,” – the couple’s beloved American Terrier. “If you can think of something and have an image, you can create it.  It’s amazing!

“I’ll definitely be utilizing personalization again for custom gifts.”

From positive feedback we’ve received so far, custom coins and paper currency have found favor with collectors, both long timers and those new to the hobby. So, go ahead: Colorize a coin or bank note with a happy courtship or nuptial memory. Use the coin’s date or size as an accent to go with the photo that captures the best decision you ever made or the tight-knit group of family or friends who shared the moment. Whatever your choice, it will be personal and it will be memorable!

*I wouldn’t leave you wondering! The famous 1859 love poem was by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. She titled it Sonnet 43.