A: The basic mind is to use real-world coins as a approximate guide to the evolutionary pattern of coin induce and design, and then to use that data to guide in the purpose workplace. We strive for authenticity and naturalism, thus big attempt is put forth to design a mint in accord with the social and technical status of the prey culture. obviously a capital share of artistic license is applied ! Coins have always been used as “ advertising ” by the issue authority… and there is a “ terminology of neologism ” in which symbols appear and have accepted meanings .
Q: How do you make coins?
A: Coins are merely humble bits of alloy that have been impressed with a design and are used as a medium of exchange. The basic serve is that a “ die ” is created with a negative ( backward ) impression of the design. Two dies are then pressed together or “ strike ” with the metallic blank between. The major technical problems are three : making the blank, making the dies, and applying the necessary sum of force, with many minor problems associated with each ! early coins were struck by pass using hammers, such coins are necessarily little and with gloomy respite. The evolution of mint has basically followed the development of artwork and industry, as larger presses and better steels have become available, the engraver ’ second artwork has been portrayed on a larger ‘ canvas ’ and with more and more preciseness. See our page on “ How a coin is made. ”
Reading: How to Mint Coins – FAQs
Q: What equipment do you use at Shire Post to make your coins?
A: We have a humble workshop and habit largely antique equipment. There are presently seven presses on the denounce floor… five cheat presses, one large knuckle press and one large hydraulic wardrobe. They range in force-capacity from about 10 tonnes up to 320 tonnes. The smaller presses are largely used for punching blanks, ejecting coins from collars, and die-sinking, while the three largest are used for heavy die-hobbing and all the actual coin-striking tasks. The presses are all antique manually function mechanical devices which have been made functionally disused with esteem to modern minting practices by advances in computer controlled equipment. They hydraulic is the most modern of the group, but flush that one is considered disused by most advanced shops. And yet, they still work for their design function, albeit lento, and they possess a beauty and classic grace which more modern equipment merely can not match ! We besides have a diverseness of patronize equipment including a roll out mill, metallic lathe, milling machine, pantomill, grinders, band-saws, heat-treating furnaces, and respective different sized tumbling drums for polishing blanks and antiquing finished coins .
Q: How can I get started making fantasy coins?
A: If you have some workspace and are conversant with metal-working you may already have most of what is needed to get started. The presses are terribly courteous once you get going… but you can do quite a lot of smaller coins with precisely a six sudanese pound malleus ! Investigate your local chapter of the SCA ( Society for Creative Anachronism ) which has a “ Moneyer ’ s Guild ” and often accept apprentices. The ANA ( American Numismatic Association ) hosts a seminar each year with classes on die-engraving and other coining techniques. The best basic book available is The Art and Craft of Coinmaking by Denis R. Cooper, Spink & Son Ltd. London, ( ISBN 0907-605-27-3 ) which goes through the integral development of coin-making from ancient times to modern .
