10 a.m.: Girl walks into bank. Requests copious amount of change. Teller eyes her suspiciously. (Big day at the Laundromat?)

10:35 a.m.: Pursue subject back to her North Philadelphia studio at Globe Dye Works and find evidence of a full-scale jewelry-making operation. She hunches over a workbench, whittling coins with a handsaw, careful not to lop off Abe’s nose or Ben’s ponytail. Also noted: a stash of pendants, bracelets, and stud earrings crafted from past presidents’ profiles.

11 a.m.: Run records. Turns out Stacey Lee Webber is no small-time operator. She’s also known for large-scale sculptures made from pennies and quarters.

11:17 a.m.: Knock on door to inquire about motive. She comes clean, confessing her work is a commentary on humble materials and working-class labor in America.

Gotta admit, it’s an idea that’s worth a mint.

Available at staceyleewebberstore.com, $38-$500.

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Photos: Joseph Leroux / Courtesy of Stacey Lee Webber