CRAFTSMANSHIP
MASTERING THE IMPACT BETWEEN DIE AND METAL
Once engraved, the dies are heat-treated to become ready for stamping.
Positioned on presses ranging from 400 to 1,600 tons, these dies mark each souvenir coin one by one.
It is only at the end of this long process, by respecting every single stage, that your medal is truly born.
COLD STAMPING
A HISTORICAL EXPERTISE
Stamping, also known as “striking,” is the historical expertise of our workshops.
It allows for the cold-forming of bronze, copper, brass, aluminum, silver, and gold.
The stamper’s mission is to produce embossed or recessed shapes on the material using a previously engraved or machined die.
The challenge of this craft lies in mastering the striking force between the die and the piece.
It is an alliance of technical skill and power that results in a perfectly shaped coin.
Cold stamping is a rigorous forging process that requires absolute precision and consistency.
It is carried out in several stages: blank preparation, striking, trimming, and finishing.
THE STRIKING TOOL
MICROMETER PRECISION
Before stamping, one must adapt to the die, also called the striking tool.
There are two types of strikes: single-sided or double-sided (with reverse).
The dies apply a shape to the piece during this striking phase, and the operation is repeated 1 to 6 times.
Through this repetition, the material deforms to gradually fill the imprints and reveal its distinctive design.
The stamper also handles the finishing: the piece passes through a cutting tool to give it its final shape.
The artisan may also machine the edges of the piece.
Once stamped, the piece proceeds to the embellishment operations according to the customer’s request.
A REFINED TECHNIQUE
EXPERIENCE AS THE KEY TO PERFECTION
Before being transferred to the next workshops, each souvenir coin is carefully examined under a magnifying glass to verify perfect conformity. While the process has remained the same for hundreds of years, what has evolved is the mastery of the machinery used. Although comparable to other forging techniques, cold striking has the distinct advantage of enhancing the material properties of the final piece. This demanding trade requires patience and experience, as only regular practice allows the stamper to perfect their technique.
