Glossary of Technical Terms Used in the Minting Industry
A | B | C
| D | E | F | G
| H | I | J | K
L | M | N | O
| P | Q | R | S |
T | U
V | W | X | Y
A
Alloy
A homogeneous mixture, usually of two or more metal
elements.
Alpaca
A brass and nickel alloy, has a color similar to stainless steel.
To apply a chemical on the surface of a medal in order
to artificially "age" it. Antiquating coins prevents tarnishing.
Silver or silver-plated medals are treated with a mild acid which darkens
them, this process is called oxidation. The formerly oxidized medals
are submitted to a rotating brush warily polishing the high relief parts
in order to increase the color contrast between the higher surfaces
and the gloomy regions situated near the ground. See
Patina
Art Medal Vs. Token Medal
Art medals are made from sculptor's models, they are
struck multiple times and given a finish to enhance their appearance
and prevent tarnishing; token medals are single struck and often have
no finish or patina. While the former are miniature
works of art, the latter are more mass produced.
A medal, intended to be worn, larger than 25 mm in diameter
with a clasp or stem and catch. Most often a badge has an emblematic
design. If a badge is a smaller than 25 mm in diameter it is called
an emblem or a pin. emblems and pins can be enameled (Covered with a
plastic-like transparent layer).
An alloy of copper and zinc. The
higher the copper content, the more expensive the brass will be. Brass
with a higher copper content will tend to be more reddish in color than
brass with lower copper content. At Absi Co. we usually strike medals
from a brass alloy of 70% copper and 30% zinc. We also use a special
brass alloy with higher copper content (known as semi-oro) for our distinguished
plaques.
Bronze
An alloy of copper and zinc and
sometimes tin, having a deep reddish-brown color. We can approximate
the color of bronze by antiquating a brass coin.
The color of bronze can be approximated by antiquating
a brass medal. See patina.
BU or Brilliant Uncirculated
BU medals are characterized by an evenly bright shinning finish.
A BU medal is like a coin taken from a roll of coins, fresh from the
mint, that have never been circulated.
C
Cast
A medal made from molten metal poured into a mold. Usually
it has a single side but may be double sided. Cast surfaces have a grainy
appearance and are more rounded than the sharp angles of a struck medal.
Coin Finish
Without finish, no further processing is applied after
a medal comes from the press.
Coin Relief
A relief degree characterized by a very low relief,
this effect is accomplished utilizing low pressure. This relief degree
is mainly used for mass production of tokens and coins where very high
quantities are expected and where there are no further demands on the
finished shape. See Art medals Vs. Token medals.
Die
An engraved or etched tool, which is put into a coin press and impresses
an image onto a coin blank. The image on the die is a negative impression
of what will be struck on the coin.
E
Electroplating
Electroplating is a process whereby a very thin layer
of a metal is transferred chemically to cover the surface of another
metal. For example a gold-plated medal has a very fine coat (only a
few microns) of 24K gold. Because gold resists oxidization gold-plating
will also protect your medal. Adding metal plating such as silver or
gold makes your medal look more valuable and attractive.
Epoxy
A thick, hard and clear layer that can also be applied
on the surface of a plaque to further protect its finish from humidity
and oxidization.
A medal of two or more parts, made separately but joined
together to form a complete item. A fabricated medal may even include
nonmetallic items such as stones and jewels.
G
Gold
Karat Gold: Refers to some alloy
of gold
Fine Gold: 24 karat - .999 fine and unalloyed
H
High Relief
A medal relief degree characterized by design elements
strongly projected from the background, high relief is accomplished
with multiple press strikes.
A fine coat of clear lacquer is applied on medals to
further protect their finish. All our medals are lacquered.
Low Relief
Characterized by a low relief, the design elements of
a medal are slightly projected from the background.
A surface characterized by a dull metallic finish produced
by sandblasting - this is done by pelting a surface with a very fine
sand to break up the smooth surface. This procedure can be used on all
kinds of medals.
Medal
A flat piece of metal stamped with a design or an
inscription commemorating an event or a person, often given as an
award. Medals usually have circular shapes between 30 and 100 mm in
diameter; the most common diameter sizes are 50 and 60 mm.
Medalet
A small medal less than 30 mm in diameter, not intended
to be worn.
Medallion
A large medal.
Mint
A place where medals and coins are manufactured. A mint is also a
place or source of manufacture or invention. To mint is to produce
coins or medals by striking metal, it also means to invent or fabricate.
N
Negative Proof Finish
This is the most preferred and chosen medal finishing.
It is a special finish (applied with best results on high
relief medals) that is characterized by a matte medal surface contrasted
with a reflective finish of the extruded parts. Negative proof medals
can have a very impressive look because if plated or have a patina they
can combine two metal colors on the same medal. For instance, if you
take a brass medal with a bronze patina
and apply this method you will get a bronze medal surface with brass
colored raised parts, or if you have a silver plated brass medal you
will get a silver medal surface with brass colored raised parts.
Nickel Silver
An alloy of copper, nickel and
zinc. Often called "Alpaca". It is called nickel silver because
plaques made from this alloy are silver in color. There is no silver
in this alloy.
O
Obverse
The front of a coin. The side of a coin or medal that carries the
main design; the recto. See Reverse.
P
Patina
The discoloration of a metallic surface due to oxidation.
A variety of finishes which are applied to a medal to give it color,
surface texture, and a protective finish. The modern process of patination
is both chemical and mechanical.
Planchet
An unrimmed, round, flat metal shape (usually made of brass)
used to make coin blanks.
Plaque
A rectangular or nearly so one-sided medallic item.
Plaques are usually engraved or etched.
Plaquette
A small plaque whose area is smaller than 100 square
cm . (e.g. dimensions must be smaller than 100 x 100 mm)
Proof Finish
This finish is distinguished by a shining and highly reflective metallic
surface (medal ground), contrasted with frosted matte finished relief
parts (raised areas). Proof finish beautifully highlights the relief
structure. Proof finish medals are struck from carefully pre-polished
cleaned blanks by specially treated dies. Multiple strikes may be
needed to bring out all design details. Not many medals of this type
can be produced in a single day. This type of finish has the richest
appearance and is the most expensive among all other types, hence
if you are looking for the best and have the time this has got to
be your choice.
R
Reverse
The back of a medal or a coin. The side of a coin or medal that does
not carry the principal design; the verso. See
Obverse.
S
Silver
Coin Silver: An alloy of
silver and copper.
Fine Silver: .999 fine and unalloyed.
Sterling Silver: Sterling = 92.5% fine silver
and 7.5% copper.
A relief degree where the background of a medal is projected
rather than the design. This option is specially required if you have
a 2D design with many colored elements. The pressing die of this relief
is the least expensive to produce.
T
Three Dimensional Relief
A relief type whereby the surface of a medal has varying heights.
People's faces, intricate designs, etc... are usually three-dimensional.
3D medals have the most appealing impressions, they are also known
as miniature works of art.
Two Dimensional Relief
A flat relief type whereby the extruded parts of a medal
surface have the same height.
We Create Lasting Impressions
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