We make coins. coins

11.11.2017 11.11.2017

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The manufacture of coins has been an integral part of all times associated with the trading industry. Production technologies were constantly changing with the development of coinage: the composition, material, and methods of processing coins changed. This article tells all about the current types of Russian coins: mass, alloys and metals, and even the number of corrugations on the faces. The general stages of coin production are also described in detail.

WHAT IS THE ARTICLE ABOUT?

History of coins

The history of the emergence of coins began even before the birth of Christ, as early as 1000 BC, the Chinese used a type of metal token for payment. Human civilizations have long used metals as a medium for exchange. In addition to their durable properties, metals are easy to melt and cast.

These artifacts were labeled "shovel" and "key" money because of their resemblance to a digging tool and to a modern Yale key. Both types had a denomination and were cast from molds. Although the ancient Egyptians did not mint coins, gold weights and rings were used to trade in products and services.

The first recording of Western coins did not occur until 700 BC. , in Western Asia Minor. Evidence - coins made from a natural alloy of gold and silver called electrum were found in the foundation of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus on the shores of the Aegean Sea. King Croesus of Lydia, who ruled from 560 to 546 BC. e., was credited with creating a bimetallic system of pure gold and pure silver currency discs. These early coins usually bore the imprints of animals such as bulls, birds, insects, or mythical creatures. Vegetable engravings are also popular.

The dies were printed on one side of the coins with a tool bearing this particular design. During this period, the design of the coin was raised to an art form and the meticulously etched engravings on the tokens were elevated to a high status. Many Greek cities vied to have the most beautifully designed coins.

Alexander the Great built mints throughout his kingdom, from Macedonia to Babylon. He established uniform weights and types. It was during the reign of Alexander that the painting of the coin became popular. Portraits were rulers, gods and goddesses. By the fourth and fifth centuries AD, engravers in Italy, and especially in Sicily, were generally recognized as experts in coin design. Their skill was so revered that engravers began to sign their work.

Before the advent of the industrial age, hitting coins was done by hand. A round metal shutter was placed over an anvil which was fitted with a die. Another stamp was attached to the pestle, which was then placed on top of the empty one. The coin maker held the pestle in place with one hand and then struck from above with a 60 cm hammer. With such an impact, a pressure of 7 tons was formed and allowed the stamp to appear on the workpiece. The high relief characteristic of early Greek coins sometimes required two or three strikes to achieve the desired effect. Heating the workpiece before impact often reduced the number of impacts required. This method allowed one coin to be removed every two seconds.

Types and characteristics of Russian coins

Below are all current Russian coins. You can find out everything about the coins: what metal, what alloys, composition, material, weight, number of corrugations on the edge.

The stamp of these coins was developed in 1997 and is relevant to this day, with some changes. For example, on coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 rubles since 2016, the double-headed eagle with a scepter and orb has changed to the coat of arms of the Russian Federation. In 2006, the composition of 10 and 50 kopeck tokens changed, and in 2009 the material for 1, 2, 5 and 10 rubles underwent changes.

The composition of the coins - what metals and alloys they are made of

  • Bimetal: steel clad with cupronickel - 1.5 kopecks
  • Bimetal: copper clad with cupronickel - 5 rubles (until 2009)
  • Bimetal: steel clad with tompak - 10.50 kopecks (since 2006)
  • Brass (copper-based alloy with the addition of zinc) - 10.50 kopecks (until 2006)
  • Steel with brass plating - 10 rubles; 10, 50 kopecks (2014-2015)
  • Nickel-plated steel - 1, 2, 5 rubles (since 2009)
  • Copper-nickel alloy - 1.2 rubles (until 2009)

Weight of coins

  • 1 kopeck - 1.50 grams
  • 5 kopecks - 2.60 g
  • 10 kopecks - 1.95 g (until 2006); 1.85 g (since 2006)
  • 50 kopecks - 2.90 g (until 2006); 2.75 g (since 2006)
  • 1 ruble - 3.25 g (until 2009); 3.00 g (since 2009)
  • 2 rubles - 5.1 g (until 2009); 5.00 (since 2009)
  • 5 rubles - 6.45 (until 2009); 6.00 g (since 2009)
  • 10 rubles - 5.63 g

The number of grooves on the edge of the coin

The side face of a coin, also called a rib, a edge or a welt, can be ribbed, smooth or mixed. The following describes how many scars are on the side of each coin.

  • 1 kopeck - smooth
  • 5 kopecks - smooth
  • 10 kopecks - 98 scars; since 2006 - smooth
  • 50 kopecks - 105 scars; since 2006 - smooth
  • 1 ruble - 110 scars
  • 2 rubles - 84 scars with 12 smooth areas (symmetrical)
  • 5 rubles - 60 scars with 12 smooth areas (symmetrical)
  • 10 rubles - 72 scars with 12 smooth sections (6 sections of 5 scars and 6 sections of 7 scars)

Industrial production of coins in a factory

Die molding and engraving

When a new coin is put into service, the sculptors at the mint develop a set of sketches. When one particular sketch is approved and refined, the sculptor creates a clay model. The model can be three to twelve times larger than the real coin.

The plaster is poured over the clay model to create a negative or reverse plaster model. The words of the inscriptions are carved into the plaster in a mirror order. The sculptor repeats this process several times until the plaster model is perfect.

Next, a durable rubber mold is made by pouring epoxy resin into a plaster mold. The epoxy mold is mounted on the transmitter. At one end of the engraver transmitter, a stylus traces the epoxy mold. As the stylus is moved, the coefficient bar in the middle of the engraver reduces the design to the actual size of the coin. This reduced dimension communicates with the carbide tool at the opposite end, which then cuts the structure into a billet of steel. In this way, a stamp is obtained, which the sculptors examine and eliminate any imperfections.

Creation of working dies

The heat treated metal is placed under a computer lathe where it is smoothed and polished into a precisely measured workpiece. The main hub is pressed into the matrix. The result is called the "master stamp". The master die is used to create work hubs and work matrices. The master hubs and matrices are then put into storage.

Punching workpieces

An appropriate coil of metal is fed through an absorber which knocks out round discs that match the dimensions of the coin to be minted. Workpieces are cut at a speed of 400 beats per minute. The remaining metal residues are crushed and recycled for future use.

Annealing and polishing blanks

The blanks are subjected to a different annealing process and then placed in industrial washing machines and dryers. The lubricants used in these various processes cause the workpieces to stain and oxidize.
The blanks are then placed in rotating baths or drums filled with an acid pickling agent. After this procedure, they become polished.

Sorting of coin blanks

The blanks are sifted through a "riddler", a metal sheet provided with holes that match the exact size of the particular coin to be minted. Thus defective coin discs are selected.

Defeat coins

The ideal blanks, stamped with patterns and inscriptions, are transferred by a conveyor belt to the pressing case. A steel collar is inserted into the press around one of the dies. The reverse side cube is loaded into the upper arm of the press. Hundreds of tons of atmospheric pressure push the plug into the collar. At the same time, the top die is pushed into the collar and onto the blank. The impact creates an impression on both sides of the workpiece. The press releases the newly measured coin and it moves along the conveyor belt to the inspection line.

In some cases, the collar is striated to create ribbed edges on the coin. Otherwise, grooves are created after impact, on a tool called a digging mill. The size of the press varies from one capacity to units that mark four coins at the same time. Single-stroke presses usually mark 400 coins per minute, with a load of up to 180 tons. Several presses can produce 120 coins per minute at a pressure of 250 tons.

Checking and sorting

The press operator checks each batch of new coins with a magnifying glass. The coins are moved through another riddler who dismantles discs that have become warped or dented during the astonishing process.

Counting and packaging

An automatic counting machine spits out a predetermined number of coins and drops them into large canvas bags. The bags are sewn up, loaded onto pallets and then transported by forklifts to storage.

How coins are made video

If you want to mint coins yourself at the event - see the information on the website of the Coin Show


* for comparison: a coin of 5 rubles has a weight of 6.4 grams, size 25x2.5mm

Recommended! A versatile choice for almost any occasion.

Aluminum coins are commonly used in the Coin Show at children's events.

  • silver plated copper coin 25mm*2.5mm - 2,600 rubles per coin
  • Gilded copper coin 25mm*2.5mm - 3,400 rubles per coin
  • Golden coin (585th sample, optionally red/yellow) - on order
  • Making one individual cliché together with the preparation and approval of the design - 6,000 rubles.
    With a corporate circulation, the cost of coins depends on the volume of the order. It is also possible to order coins with a diameter of 30mm and 32.6mm from the metals presented above. The cost of an individual cliche depends on the diameter.
    * PLEASE YOUR ATTENTION!!! Examples for self-calculation:
  • Example number one. You want

    ready-made cliches(0 rubles)

    Total: 6,400 rubles

    Example number two. You want

    One coin made of copper/brass (1 pc * 400 rubles)

    Both sides Your individual design (2 * 6,000 rubles)

    Total: 12,400 rubles

    Example number three. You want

    One coin made of copper/brass (1pc * 400 rubles)

    Both sides are universal, chosen by you from our ready-made cliches(0 rubles)

    Total: 400 rubles

    Example number 4. You want

    Fifty aluminum coins (50 pcs * 300 rubles)

    One side Your individual design (1 piece * 6 000 rubles)

    The second side is universal, chosen by you from our ready-made cliches(0 rubles)

    Total: 21,000 rubles

Delivery standard coins in Moscow is carried out within 5 days, individual- across week after design approval.
Delivery times to regions - from 9 to 21 days by mail.

    Delivery methods and cost:
  • Moscow within the Moscow Ring Road - 300 rubles
  • Moscow outside the Moscow Ring Road - 500 rubles
  • in Russia by mail of any service convenient for you - for example, Business Lines or EMS mail of Russia - at the carrier's tariffs
  • pickup from the office is possible (5 minutes walk from Pechatniki metro station)

PLEASE CONTACT US PRELIMINARY IN A WAY CONVENIENT TO YOU TO LEARN THE EXACT AMOUNT OF THE ORDER AND THE METHOD OF PAYMENT SUITABLE FOR YOU

Making a desktop bust for the CEO of a large Russian company. Materials: metal, marble.


Making tokens-coins in an individual minimalist style. Materials: metal.


Production of pads for belt buckles according to the customer's 3D model. Material: metal.

What are souvenir coins usually made for?

According to statistics, 8 out of 10 business cards received are ruthlessly thrown away by potential customers.like unnecessary garbage for several days after being in your pocket or purse. Accordingly, they are unlikely to ever contact you.
A business card is the most important “point of contact” with your client. It is the original idea embodied in a non-standard format that guarantees maximum return!

ORIGINAL ADVERTISING PRODUCTS REMINDING OF YOURSELF EVERY DAY!

You can make pleasant signs of attention to friends and relatives, reflecting something significant and valuable for you in your coin. Such a creative approach will emphasizeYour individuality will always keep a good memory of you.

TERMS

The terms depend on the complexity of the project and the speed of approval of the layout with the prototype. On average, it takes from 8 to 20 days to prepare production equipment and the first finished sample. Subsequent copies in circulation, from 3 days, depending on the quantity.

The post has been changed:

Minting coins - a serious business, or another "scam"?

Minting coins, and to be more precise (so that you don’t think that I suggest you compete with the Central Bank of Russia), minting souvenir coins - is it possible to turn this business idea into a source of solid, and most importantly, stable income? How do you think?

Brief business analysis:
Business setup costs:60,000 - 90,000 rubles
Relevant for cities with a population: from 70 000
Situation in the industry:entertainment industry is developed
The complexity of organizing a business: 1/5
Payback: 2-4 months

Projects of this kind often look at first glance as "one-day" projects, and even outright "scams". But while someone is looking for more spectacular ideas or sitting in thought over the moral principles of the business, others have turned the production of souvenir coins into a profitable business. Many entrepreneurs across the country have proven that you can make great money selling souvenirs!

wedding coins

Souvenir coins can be minted at weddings, and depict the names of the newlyweds and wedding symbols on them. Such an idea can be adopted by wedding agencies, or companies involved in holiday decoration.

Commemorative souvenir + company advertising

The company logo can be minted on the coins. As an example, I can cite one restaurant owner who installed special equipment for minting coins in his establishment. For a small nominal fee, anyone can mint for themselves a coin with the restaurant's logo.

There is no end to the guests “warmed up” with strong drinks. Not only that, as a result of this “modest” payment, a very “immodest” amount “runs up” by the end of the working day, but the owner also receives free advertising for his restaurant. It is simply a pity for many of the visitors to throw away a hand-made coin, and therefore it is safely stored somewhere in the pocket of a purse. And at every opportunity is shown to friends and acquaintances.

Such "know-how" can be implemented by the owners of catering establishments, hotels and inns, amusement parks, etc.

Creative business cards

Souvenir coins can act as business cards. On which the contact details of the company will be minted. In one of my previous publications, I talked about how you can organize a business in the manufacture of exclusive and creative business cards. You can come up with something more original than business cards-coins only if you try very hard. You can beat the situation of presenting such a “business card” to visitors in different ways.

One of the options may look something like this: equipment for minting souvenir coins can be placed near the exit, and, seeing off the visitor, you need to offer him the fun of hitting the anvil with a hammer (or do it yourself), and - oops! Here it is - the finished business card of your company. It is unlikely that anyone will get rid of such a "gift".

But most often the production of coins is still used as attractions.

Attractions for minting souvenir coins

St. Petersburg, Yaroslavl, Murom, Nizhny Novgorod, Altai resorts, many cities in Karelia - this is just an incomplete list of those cities that I was lucky enough to visit, and where I personally saw (and even took part in) such attractions. I even have a small collection of souvenir coins from various regions of Russia.

Almost everywhere, the minting of coins is presented in the form of a colorful performance - a show in which any passer-by is invited to participate. This is the basis of the subtle psychological calculation of the business - the more exciting the offer, the more people who want to get their “prize”. People, seeing the crowd around the attraction, will definitely come up and ask what is happening, some of them will want to take part.

The production of souvenir coins is a mobile business, and this is its undoubted advantage. Things do not “go” in one place, after 20-30 minutes you can try on another, in another half an hour - on the third. Where can such performances be held?

  • in city parks
  • in the squares
  • in entertainment and shopping complexes
  • just at crowded intersections

After gaining some work experience and making the first profit, you can think about opening another point, which will offer minting coins.

The company "Coin attraction" in Altai for 6 years of its activity has turned from 2 mobile points, in which the production of coins was carried out on only 3 clichés, into one of the largest enterprises in the country in this area, offering its services to novice minting entrepreneurs to purchase franchises (read more about the franchise at this link -), equipment for attractions and the production of clichés, etc. Everything you need to start a business.

Equipment for making souvenir coins

Equipment and tools for the organization of minting coins can be purchased from companies involved in their manufacture. Demand gave rise to supply, and now, in order to get the contacts of such organizations, it is enough just to type in any search engine the phrase: "Buy equipment for the production of souvenir coins."

By the way, his list is small, and includes only a few items:

  • anvil
  • sledgehammer
  • special mounts
  • cliche for chasing
  • and blanks for coins made of copper or aluminum (as an option, you can consider using blanks made of silver)

It is with the last point that the most trouble is. Working for a long time with one or two designs of coins does not work out - it will quickly "get boring" for visitors to the attraction. Therefore, from time to time it will be necessary to change the design of the cliché to make coins with a different minting pattern.

The production of clichés can be ordered "on the side", or you can, by purchasing additional simple equipment, make them yourself. For this you will need:

  • mini press
  • and stamp for minting

A sketch of each chasing pattern is preliminarily drawn, which, after approval, is translated into a vector image, after which engraving is carried out on non-hardened metal (you can learn more about laser engraving on metal), then the matrix is ​​​​heat-hardened and polished.

As you can see, the process is quite painstaking, but, nevertheless, quite affordable for a novice entrepreneur. After 1-2 trial experiments in the production of clichés, this process will no longer be difficult for you. However, I repeat - you can order the manufacture of cliché coins in third-party companies, since there are many of them now.

By the way, having mastered the skills of making clichés, you can provide yourself with additional income, offering its services in the field of coin design to those who are just taking their first steps in this business, or who prefer to use “purchased” blanks.

Some numbers

How much will it cost to set up a business, and how much income can it bring?

The purchase of equipment will have to spend from 50 to 85 thousand rubles. The purchase of equipment for the manufacture of clichés will add another 100-150 thousand rubles to the costs. Meanwhile, ordering the manufacture of one cliché will cost you within 1 thousand rubles.

The price of blanks today looks like this:

  • copper billet - 30-35 rubles (depending on the thickness, diameter, polishing, the presence of a edge (inscription on the edge), and an eyelet)
  • aluminum - 18-22 rubles
  • brass - 32-36 rubles

Prices for finished coins have a wide range, it also depends on the parameters of the coins, the minting pattern on them, and the “greed” of the attraction owner. For example, in Nizhny Novgorod, souvenir coins cost from 150 to 300 rubles, and in St. Petersburg - from 150 to 700 rubles.

By the way, in the USA, minting coins by hand a few years ago was replaced by the use of vending machines (read about the vending business here -), on which you can make a souvenir coin for yourself. In the States, this idea is a great success. Whether it will take root in our country, we'll see ... In any case, you can always return to the more familiar hammer and anvil ...