Die making

[RDHC]

Does anyone know how the dies were made for, say, the Victorian sovereigns? (i.e. before any modern technology arrived to help) How could they be so consistent? Did they start with a model of the finished coin i.e. in raised relief? What metal was used? What tools were used?

I confess I am entirely ignorant of, but fascinated by the process. I can work a bit in wood, but I have always found metalwork difficult, even with modern machinery.

[dicker]

Others will have much better materials but there is a little in this article that might be of interest

https://topendcoins.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1882m-the-sixth-head.pdf

Best

Tim

[RDHC]

1 hour ago, dicker said:

Others will have much better materials but there is a little in this article that might be of interest

https://topendcoins.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1882m-the-sixth-head.pdf

Best

Tim

Thank you, Tim. An extremely interesting article indeed. The trouble is that I got a bit lost at step 4 - 'squeezed' means what? And the thought of even a master craftsman being able to engrave directly 'into' (?'onto') the Hub or Punch is breathtaking.

Roger

[Booky586]

There are a couple of extracts from the Royal Mint Coin Club Bulletin attached giving a little information on engraving and die polishing. The techniques employed are from the 1980's though and not specifically Victorian. I hope they help.

1989-33 Engraving.pdf

1986-21 Die Polishing.pdf

[RDHC]

Thank you very much. The engraving down load certainly illuminates the stage 4 process that puzzled me.

Roger