How to Manufacture Coins
Creating customized coins is a unique way to commemorate events in life, such as weddings, awards and other major milestones. The simplest method to manufacture a coin is to use a two piece die and hammer to fabricate them one at a time.
Things You'll Need
- Sketchbook
- Pencil
- Drafting pen
- Two piece coin die
- Anvil with die mounting slot
- Hammer
- Coin blanks
Instructions
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1
Draw a design with a 1:1 scale for the final coin in the sketchbook, first in pencil and then finalizing it with a drafting pen. Once the ink from the drafting pen dries, erase the pencil marks. Make sure to include a design for each side, and have clear well defined lines.
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2
Commission a local engraving shop to carve the image for the coins in relief into the two parts of the coin die. Engraving shops can be quickly found by checking the phone book or Internet for local shops.
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3
Insert the lower half of the engraved coin die into the die slot of the anvil.
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4
Place the coin blank on top of the bottom part of the die, and place the top part of the die on the blank. Make sure to properly align the top and bottom pieces of the die to ensure a symmetrically finished coin.
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5
Strike the top of the upper die firmly with the hammer. Soft metals like pure silver will only take a few moderate strikes to shape, whereas harder metals will require more force.
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Tips & Warnings
Soft metals like silver and copper work best for cold forging coins. Always use a coin die made of harder metal than the coin blanks to avoid blunting the engraving.
Hard metals like nickel and steel are easier to shape if first heated to a warm orange glow using a propane torch before hammering.
If drawing the design is difficult for you, consider commissioning an artist.
Use a rotary tool and a felt buffing attachment to bring out the shine in finished coins.
To make your own blanks, use a chop saw to slice cookies out of a rod of the desired metal. Make sure to use a grinding wheel suitable for the material being cut.
Always wear goggles when working metal, both hot and cold.
When hot forging, keep a fire extinguisher nearby and make sure to prepare a heat proof place to set down coins after hammering them.
Use tongs to handle hot forged coins.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit old coins of russia image by Kostyantyn Ivanyshen from Fotolia.com
