From planning to pockets, coins have a long life before reaching the public’s hands. Learn how American coins are designed and minted by reading below and checking out the U.S. Mint’s virtual tour of the coin-making process.
Designing a U.S. Coin
When a new coin design is needed, the U.S. Mint typically looks to elected or appointed officials, artists, and sometimes members of the public to come up with ideas worthy of appearing on U.S. currency. Those responsible for creating a new coin design will first recruit an artist to draw out the features of a new coin.
Once a drawing is decided upon, artists and sculptors can begin to create the new coin by using a variety of design options. Traditional coin makers will use clay or plaster to painstakingly model coins into 3-dimensional shapes. Newer coin makers can use special software to create new coins digitally. Both methods can be used to create “master dies” that will stamp blank coins during the manufacturing process.
Minting and Manufacturing U.S. Coins
Once the final designs are approved and the “master dies” are carefully inspected, the U.S. Mint can then begin the manufacturing process of a new coin.
The first step is to make the blank coins used for the minting process. This process is called blanking, during which blank coins are pressed out of sheets of coiled strips. The metal that remains can be recycled and reused for future blanks.
The second step is annealing, which uses extremely high temperatures to soften the metal and get it ready for the cleaning process. Annealing also accounts for the shininess of blank coins.
The third major step is upsetting. This process raises the edge of the coin, making the edge stronger. The coin’s raised edge is the highest point on either face of the coin. This keeps the design of the coin centered and protected, while also ensuring the consistency of a coin’s size.
Finally, the design of each coin is ready to be pressed into the newly refined blanks. This process is called striking. Once a coin is complete it will go through an inspection process to ensure its quality before leaving the mint.
Gold and Silver Coins at the U.S. Mint
Coin collectors and investors should keep in mind that the U.S. Mint is responsible for more than just America’s circulating currency of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. The U.S. Mint also makes the gold and silver coins we sell here at Provident Metals, including the American Silver Eagle.
For more information about coins designed and minted by the U.S. mint, visit our blog and knowledge center.
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