A unique fusion of metallurgy, creativity, and precision engineering goes into creating a silver coins or rounds. There are several crucial processes that must be completed in order to transform raw silver into a lovely, sparkling coin. Let’s explore this fascinating procedure, from extrusion through the coin’s final striking.
First step: extrusion
The initial step in the process of producing coins is extrusion. Starting with raw silver, usually in the form of high-purity granules or silver bullion, is the first step. The temperature at which the silver is heated makes it pliable but not totally molten. A machine called an extrusion press is used to mold the semi-solid silver into a long, narrow strip. By exerting intense pressure on the silver and squeezing it through a shaped die, the extrusion press achieves this.
Second Step: Rolling
The silver strip needs to be rolled to the correct thickness after being extruded. This procedure makes use of a rolling mill, a device with one or more pairs of rolls that thins out and uniformizes the strip’s thickness. The thickness of the silver strip is slightly reduced with each run through the rolling machine. A rigorous, scientific process is required to achieve a uniform thickness of silver in order to produce coins of the highest quality.
Punching Blanks in Step Three
It’s time to manufacture blanks, the precursor to the finished coin, now that we have our silver strip cut to the proper thickness. The strip is punched into circular blanks using a high-precision blanking press. These blanks’ sizes are exactly in line with the finished coin’s dimensions.
Burnishing the Blanks in Step Four
The blanks must be burnished, or polished, after being punched. Burnishing gives the blanks’ surface a smooth, clean appearance by removing any microscopic imperfections or burrs left over from the punching procedure. Usually, a burnishing chemical, water, and a tumbling barrel loaded with tiny steel balls are used to accomplish this. Steel balls and blanks in the barrel rub against one another, polishing the silver’s surface as it revolves.
Step 5: Inserting a Neile
A Neile (or annealing procedure) is used after burnishing. The blanks must be heated once more to a particular temperature and then quickly cooled, typically in a cool water bath. By releasing the stress in the metal that the previous procedures had put on it, this procedure makes the blanks softer and more malleable, which is necessary for the subsequent operation, coining.
Coining the Blanks in Step 6
The actual striking, or “coining,” of the blanks is the last step in the coin-making process. Each blank is put into a coining press, a device that employs dies with the coin’s design etched on them. The blank is put under intense pressure by the press, which causes the metal to flow into the engravings of the die. The outcome is a coin that is intricate and wonderfully made.
Although labor-intensive technically, this technique yields each coin as a work of art that captures a moment in time and reflects the skill and accuracy of the mint that produced it. A straightforward silver strip is transformed into a striking coin through a precise, meticulous, and labor-intensive procedure. The next time you hold a silver round or coin in your hands, you’ll be aware of the process it went through to become a finished good.
Silver Coins From The Ohio Mint
Silver is a precious metal sought after for it’s inflation hedge as well as it’s use in manufacturing. Silver coins are a great way to store your wealth in a beautiful and useable form.
The Ohio Mint manufactures silver coins, or rounds, in several popular designs and can custom mint them using dies of your own design. Contact us today and see how we can help your silver business grow.