Coins, Not Just Pocket Change

Archaeological and historical records of Ancient Rome and medieval Mesopotamia indicate that beyond serving as currency, coins have served as a commemorative keepsake across cultures. 

Emblematic work exciting to see complete, because despite the advances in virtual simulation tools within our industry, metal work still requires a "leap of faith". Electronic templates outlining the recessed and raised areas, the type of metal to be used. Additionally, the application of color, along with the process for crafting the coin all require the tooling artist to provide feedback about design changes that may require some modification for a positive result. 

An an example here is the electronic proof for the WCPSS challenge coin in die struck.

What the heck is die struck? Wikipedia helped me with this description:  

Metal is “cast”, “to make an object by pouring metal into a mold and letting it harden.” Die struck pieces are basically made by mechanically hammering and pressing a thin sheet of gold or other metal onto a hardened steel die to make pattern or impression. A coin die is one of the two metallic pieces that are used to strike a coin, one per each side of the coin. Striking a coin refers to pressing an image into the blank metal disc, or planchet and is a term descended from the days when the dies were struck with hammers to deform the metal into the image of the dies.

Below is the final result from the proof image above of the WCPSS coin, the NC AG coin is also die struck, but no enamel fill and given a bronze patina to look antique or aged.

 Rarely do we get the opportunity to see how two different artists interpret the same art. Before Wake Tech selected the final coin, they purchased 2 different spec samples to compare. While size and weight are the same, the finishing is slightly different, see if you can spot the difference. 

Our friends at EMT created a fantastic guide we'd like to share here showing the same art in different metals and stages for coins.

 In our showroom we have an assortment of coins from past projects and samples gathered from our favorite partners. We have several excellent choices for assistance with your next coin project. Coins can be displayed in cases and stands to add additional value to the recipient. Well crafted coins like the ones features here are not "just pocket change".