Coin dies are engraved stamps used to impress artwork onto blank coins. Once the coin artwork has been finalised, determining the method of manufacturing a die comes next. The first step in die manufacturing involves refining the 3-D modelling of the coin portrait in plasticine, which is a plaster material used for sculpting and moulding. After the plasticine model has been created, coin makers produce an acrylic model, which is a copy of the plasticine model. These two models form part of the finished artwork and complete the master die process. Some coins have very intricate detail in their designs and require computerised methods for engraving.

Step 2: the rolling mill

All coins, whether gold, silver or platinum are manufactured in the same way. Raw materials are melted down in a furnace and then cast into coils. These coils are rolled into a computerised rolling mill to produce blank strips of the same thickness. Coil thickness may vary depending on the type of coin being manufactured. The rolling mill process is crucial because each strip (which will eventually be cut into a coin) has to be identical in weight and size.

Step 3: producing the blank

Before the coin is stamped with the master die, it is called a blank. These blanks are created from high-powered blanking presses that punch out blank circular discs from the metal coils. Blanking presses are able to produce up to 4000 blanks per minute.

Step 4: the annealing process

The process of annealing is to make something stronger through heating. The annealing process is necessary to make the minting process easier by bringing the blanks to a malleable state.

Step 5: the coining process

Once the blanks are ready, they pass through a coining press to be minted. Each coin is stamped with the upper and lower master die, simultaneously. When the coins have been stamped with inscriptions and designs, they have passed the blank stage and are now original coins. But the process doesnt end there; after the coins have been minted, they undergo an intense inspection to ensure that all coins are flawless and in pristine condition.

At Scoinshop, we offer rare, precious coins to add to your collection

Collecting and investing in rare coins is a notion that has lived on for centuries among numismatists. Many have passed on this hobby to their children. Scoinshop is a reputable coin dealer and has been in operation for almost as long as the concept of coin collecting. Some of the coin ranges we deal in are the Mandela coins, International coins and Natura coins. Login now to find coins to add to your collection. If youre not already a member, you will need to register to shop online.

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