There are several challenges that come up when engraving the dies so we can forge our coins. In this part of the tutorial we take a look at all of that.

The Challenges when Engraving

We have to select two types of metals for this project. The first type of metal is for the dies and the second type of metal is for the coin itself.

The Dies

Ideally we want the dies to be reasonably hard so they will be durable and be able to strike many many coins without wearing out.

But if the dies are too hard it will be difficult to carve and engrave the coin pattern in them.

I ended up selecting 1018 steel. It is a mild steel so it should be able to allow reasonably easy carving yet still maintain the engraved image over multiple coin strikings. I ordered two lengths of it precut, mild steel round bar stock 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 2 inches in length. Those are the dies. The following picture shows the two dies. But, in the picture they have been modified. I wanted a bevel around the edge of the coin so I had somebody turn down the edges on a lathe.

This beveling causes a bevel on the coin.

For the coins I had a difficult time getting something suitable. I ended up ordering punched circles just under 1 1/2 in diameter an 1/8 inch thick. It was noted as mild steel but not how mild. I ordered them online from a company called Metalscut4u.com

Next I prepared the dies for engraving by painting the surfaces with white paint. This is so I could easily see the engravement work.

Then I used a dremel with a variety of carbide bits to engrave out the dies.

It isn't just a matter of carving out the shape of the sword. There are layers involved in this.

Most prominently you can see what I mean by the red line in this next image. It shows how the guard of the sword is deeper than the rest of the sword. When the coin is struck the guard will be the highest part of the coin. Keep this in mind when carving your coin patterns. And keep good lines and edges delineating the various parts of the object.

Okay, everything is ready! Let's strike the coins