medaillenprägung

Medaillenprägung, which translates to medal minting or stamping, is the process of creating medals through striking a blank piece of metal. This technique involves pressing a die, which is a specially engraved tool, onto a planchet, a pre-cut disc of metal. The pressure applied forces the metal of the planchet to conform to the raised designs on the die, thus creating the relief and details of the medal.

Historically, medaillenprägung was a significant method for producing commemorative items, awards, and even currency in some forms. The earliest known medals were created using this method, dating back to the Italian Renaissance. The dies were typically made of hardened steel or bronze, and the striking process could be done manually using a hammer or with more advanced screw presses.

Modern medaillenprägung utilizes sophisticated machinery, often hydraulic or mechanical presses, capable of exerting immense force. This allows for greater precision, detail, and the production of a large number of medals efficiently. The metals commonly used include gold, silver, bronze, brass, and various alloys, chosen based on the desired aesthetic, durability, and cost. The design process itself is a crucial first step, involving artists and engravers who meticulously create the artwork that will be transferred to the dies. The quality of the final medal is highly dependent on the skill in die engraving and the precision of the striking process.