Stempelung

Stempelung is the process of applying a stamp, seal, or imprint to a material or document. The term covers various techniques used to transfer a mark or image by physical contact. Common methods include hand stamping with a metal or polymer die, mechanical stamping in a press, and embossing for raised impressions on paper, metal, or plastic. Stamps may be heated to transfer foil or pigment (hot stamping) or used with inked faces.

In numismatics and coin production, Stempelung describes the striking of a metal blank with engraved dies to transfer the design and inscriptions. The process creates coins with uniform surfaces and raised relief.

In manufacturing and product marking, stamping is used to imprint logos, serial numbers, lot codes, or regulatory marks on parts and packaging. It enables traceability and anti-counterfeiting. Techniques range from conventional cold stamping to hot stamping for decorative or protective foil finishes. Deep-drawing and forming operations may also produce embossed features through stamping.

Historically, many jurisdictions employed stamp duties on documents, where the payment of a tax was evidenced by affixing a physical stamp to contracts, licenses, receipts, or legal instruments. Although many such duties have been reduced or abolished, revenue stamping remains in some contexts such as customs documents or certain official instruments.

Overall, Stempelung encompasses both artisanal marking traditions and industrial processes, serving purposes from authentication and branding to taxation and compliance.