Punch (numismatics)
Encyclopedia
In numismatics
, a punch is an intermediate used in the process of manufacturing coins.
A punch has its design in cameo, much like on the coins themselves. Prior to the use of punches, each die
was individually engraved and when a die wore out, another one had to be engraved to replace it, and the exact design of the worn die was lost. The punch step greatly reduced the amount of effort needed, as a single punch could be used to create multiple dies. Early on, punches generally contained only the primary design of the coin, e.g. the portrait, and secondary details (legend, rim head, etc) were hand-engraved onto each die until the matrix
step was developed.
Numismatics
Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects. While numismatists are often characterized as students or collectors of coins, the discipline also includes the broader study of money and other payment media used to resolve debts and the...
, a punch is an intermediate used in the process of manufacturing coins.
A punch has its design in cameo, much like on the coins themselves. Prior to the use of punches, each die
Die (manufacturing)
A die is a specialized tool used in manufacturing industries to cut or shape material using a press. Like molds, dies are generally customized to the item they are used to create...
was individually engraved and when a die wore out, another one had to be engraved to replace it, and the exact design of the worn die was lost. The punch step greatly reduced the amount of effort needed, as a single punch could be used to create multiple dies. Early on, punches generally contained only the primary design of the coin, e.g. the portrait, and secondary details (legend, rim head, etc) were hand-engraved onto each die until the matrix
Matrix (numismatics)
In numismatics, a matrix is an intermediate used in the process of manufacturing coins.A matrix has its design in the same sense as a die. The design is engraved convex into the matrix, which is used to create punches. The matrix step was developed in the 17th century for two main reasons...
step was developed.