stempelslag

Stempelslag is a term used in Dutch to describe the process of impressing a design onto a material by striking it with a stamp or die. The method is used across various fields, notably metalworking, coinage, jewelry making, seal impressions, leatherwork, and certain forms of printing. The result is an impression or embossed mark created by the transfer of raised or engraved design from the stamp to the workpiece.

In practice, a blank or surface is placed between a stamp (the die) and often a counter-die. A force is then applied, either manually with a hammer or through a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic press, causing the design to transfer. The outcome depends on factors such as alignment, pressure, dwell time, and the condition of the dies. Hand stamping yields individual marks and variability, while industrial stamping enables high-volume, consistent impressions.

Common variations include a full strike, where the entire design is clearly transferred, and weaker or partial strikes, where parts of the design are faint or missing. Double strikes can be used to improve accuracy or clarity. Preparatory steps such as material annealing, surface cleaning, or lubrication are often employed to reduce wear and achieve a cleaner impression.

Historically, stempelslag has ancient roots in coin minting and metalworking, evolving with the development of more precise dies and press technology. In numismatics, the quality of a coin’s strike is a key criterion, influencing value and collectability.

See also: coin striking, die, embossing, stamping in metalworking, minting, seal matrix.