This art form came into its own in the trenches of World War I, where it got its name. Little trench art was actually made in the trenches but behind the lines by soldiers and civilians who were often already skilled in engraving or metalwork. Some was produced by injured soldiers as a form of therapy. Trench art was also produced after the war by residents of war-ravaged areas from scrap metal collected on the battlefields and made into souvenirs for sale to tourists.

Coins were often incorporated into larger pieces such as decorated shells and jewelry, or used on their own as canvases for engraved images and messages as love tokens, mementos, memorials or even awards for athletic competitions. This display features a wide selection of trench art — mostly in the form of engraved coins with messages including patriotic statements, expressions of love, records of service or memorials to lost friends — all providing a poignant and intriguing soldier’s view of the First World War.