cuño

Cuño refers to a type of stamp or die used to impress a mark onto a malleable material. Historically, cuños were made of metal, often bronze or iron, and featured a raised design that would transfer to wax, lead, or clay when pressed. These impressions served various purposes, including authenticating documents, signifying ownership, or marking currency. In numismatics, the term "cuño" specifically denotes the die used in minting coins. The obverse and reverse of a coin are created by striking a blank metal disc between two such cuños. The intricate designs and legends on coins are all a product of the skilled craftsmanship involved in creating these cuños. Beyond coinage, cuños have been used in creating seals for official documents and personal emblems. The practice of using cuños has evolved over centuries, with modern industrial processes employing advanced machinery to create stamps and dies for mass production, though the fundamental principle of using a raised design to create an impression remains the same. The Spanish word "cuño" can also refer to the act of minting or stamping itself.