Patterns for Coin Cutting

There is something magical about designs cut into coins. There is the craftmanship of cutting on a small scale along with the novelty of using a coin as the medium. Many kinds of scroll saw projects are relegated to hanging on a wall, or sitting on a shelf or table. Pendants, in contrast, can be kept close, worn as necklaces, hung from car mirrors, or displayed at work. These projects are much more likely to be come "keepsakes"
Relative to traditional scroll sawing, there are very very few folks that cut coins either by scroll saw or by the handframe. This means that good patterns designed specifically for this medium are almost impossible to find. As more scrollers enter this craft, I am hoping a plethora of new patterns emerge. Until then, here are a few beginner as well as advanced patterns.

Most of the patterns here are derivative patterns, meaning, I tried to find existing designs that are common or from free sources. Because of the nature of the internet, this approach is not ideal as some patterns given as free, could be derivative works themselves. If there any of these issue found with patterns here, I'll will take those down.

That said, if you believe in community, and can create original designs, we badly need your help to supply would be coin cutters with good quality patterns.


This template is based on the Kennedy Half Dollar and is the standard template I use for all my designs, even if I'm cutting bigger or smaller coins. This image can be opened and modified in Photoshop or Gimp. There may be other editors than can work with this as well.
Click for PSD Pattern Download

Triquetra: The Celtic Triquetra design has been used for ages as a "Protection Symbol" in Christianity, and other meanings in non-Christian contexts. Though I am a Christian, I like it because it "just looks cool."
Click for PDF Pattern Download


Celtic Heart: This is a variation of the triquetra design with an integrated heart."
Click for PDF Pattern Download
Music Heart: Extremely advanced and one of the most difficult patterns posted here. I have cut this on a Kennedy, but do not recommended. I highly recommend using an Eisenhower dollar for this design, which means resizing to 124.5% when printing.
Click for PDF Pattern Download

Music Heart Phelps: Pattern designed by Sean Phelps while a student in the local high school.
Click for PDF Pattern Download

Kanji Love By Mia Wardell: This is a popular design and great for the beginner. This was designed by Mia when she was a student in the local high school
Click for PDF Pattern Download



Kanji Symbol for God. Notice the green areas. This is for "overcutting" which will cause the symbol to appear as if it is floating. This is done by angling the blade so that the top comes to a wedge below the top surface, but is supported by a wider base below.
Click for PDF Pattern Download

Kanji Symbol for Courage: This coin won't give anyone courage, but it can be a reminder that courage is something that is an act of will, and within grasp of anyone that that will reach out and "take" it.
Click for PDF Pattern Download


Kanji Symbol for Mother: Imagine, on a daughter/mother outing, the mother asks the daughter what the symbol she is wearing means. Yep, priceless!
Click for PDF Pattern Download


Kanji Symbol for Strength: Everyone knows someone that could use a reminder that your are always there for them, and that there is "Strength" in numbers.
Click for PDF Pattern Download