From Conception to Completion

Design

With the combination of state-of-the-art technology and centuries-old hand skills, each coin or medallion is crafted to the highest quality and accuracy, capturing each minute detail of your design.

Plaster Modelling

To ensure each design is accurately struck, our talented team of craftsmen hand-sculpt each concept design in plaster and clay. Alternatively the design can be 3D-sculpted using state-of-the-art computer technology – a skill that is progressively taking over form hand sculpting, allowing the delivery of the highest quality and accuracy possible, within a smaller timescale.

The Steel Tool

On completion of the modelling stage your design is then passed to our team of engineers who handle the manufacture of the steel tools used to produce the dies for the coin presses. Working closely with the design team, the engineers ensure that the integrity of your design is replicated at each part of the three-stage master tooling process.

Although the design process can take several months to achieve, the final tooling can be completed in as little as four weeks. Sample coins or medallions are then struck and assessed for their design and quality and if necessary, final adjustments are made to the tools. Once this is complete, the tooling is passed to the production stage.

The Master Tools

The production dies are then prepared for the required finish. For a frosted finish the die is covered with transparent tape, which is then cut away over the area to be frosted. The exposed area is then sandblasted, the tape removed and the remaining area of the die polished, using various sticks and diamond pastes. To protect the surface, the face of the die is then chrome-plated to a depth of 3-4 microns.

The Blanks

The quality of the blank is fundamental to the success of product. The Royal Mint will ensure the blanks meet the required weight, size, purity, and mechanical properties, ensuring the finished product is of the very highest quality.

Striking

To strike your coin or medallion the press is set up with a top and bottom die with a bore manufactured to form the edge. The blanks are placed in the press and press activated to strike each piece as many times as required achieving the specified finish.