Coin Production Process
Coin manufacturing is deeply rooted in history, with some of the earliest coins in the world traced back to the Lydian Kingdom. Since then, mints have come and mints have gone. Most developed nations have their own mint, or they contract coin production to a country with a mint. The Philadelphia Mint is the world’s largest mint, producing up to one million coins every 30 minutes.
But what about the process of minting coins? What goes into the production of currency in the United States? Let’s explore the process and terminology associated with the US mint coin production.
The coin minting process is systematic. It includes the processes of blanking, riddling, annealing, and upsetting, before finally circulating. Contrary to the coin mints of old, which used manual and simplistic processes, the US mint uses hydraulic presses.
The first step in coin production is to obtain raw materials from mines across the United States. Next, the raw metal is molded into an ingot after treatment to remove impurities. The ingots are then rolled to the desired thickness for the coin in question.
The next step in the process is known as blanking, and it is an important step in determining the shape of the coin. The United States purchases nearly 1,500-foot-long coils to slice them into metal discs known as blanks. This is done using a blanking press.
The blanks are then run through an annealing machine, which softens the metal and allows it to be used for design. After that, the annealed blanks are thoroughly cleaned. This is done to remove external dirt that might interfere with the striking process.
After running through the washer, the blanks undergo a process called upsetting. Also known as ‘rimming’, upsetting lends a raised rim's blanks. This is done to protect the coin from damage and ensure it holds up well during the striking process. The newly rimmed coin produced after upsetting is called a planchet.
The last and final step in the coin manufacturing process is striking. This takes place before inspection, bagging, and distribution. The planchets are loaded into the coin press and die images are used to create designs on both sides of the planchet. After striking, the planchet is transformed into a full-fledged coin.
1. Where are coins manufactured?
Coins are manufactured in mints all over the world. For coin production, each country typically has its designated mint. For example, the US Mint has locations in Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point.
2. How many steps are in the minting process?
Coin minting is typically a six-step process. It involves blanking, annealing, upsetting, striking, and bagging.
3. What happens to coins before they are minted?
Before coins are minted, they go through an extensive process. This includes shaping them into discs, heating them to soften their form, creating a rim to allow stacking. Next, the mint stamps them with a design. Lastly, they're sifted to identify any defects and passed on for distribution if they pass inspection.
The US Mint also manufactures collectible coins that are distributed to coin collectors around the world. In addition, you can find a bullion product of your choice at BOLD Precious Metals, a precious metal supplier of silver coins, gold coins, and numismatic products.
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