sinking process

The sinking process is a technical term from the field of coin production and plays an important role in numismatics, especially in the minting of modern coins. It is a process in which certain elements of a coin – usually the coin image or individual design elements – are plastically deepened by controlled sinking of the die. The aim of this process is to achieve a particularly detailed and three-dimensional representation that stands out both visually and haptically. The sinking process is often used for commemorative coins or high-quality special editions, where precise design and an elegant appearance are paramount.
From a technical point of view, the sinking process is based on the use of a specially machined embossing tool in which individual sections are recessed deeper than others. This difference in height in the die creates a particularly plastic effect on the coin surface during embossing. This gives the embossing a high visual depth and ensures a finely nuanced representation of portraits, lettering or ornamental elements. The process is used in particular for precious metal embossing, such as gold or silver coins, to combine artistic quality with numismatic value.
From a numismatic point of view, the recessed embossing process is not only a technical refinement, but also a mark of quality. Collectors value coins produced using this method because of their special aesthetics and often limited edition. In addition, the process opens up new design possibilities that would be difficult to achieve with conventional embossing methods. In combination with other techniques such as polished plate or colour applications, this results in highly attractive collector’s items that stand out clearly from mass-produced coins.
The development of the drop-stamping process can also be traced back historically, as various stamping techniques were used to achieve plastic effects in ancient times and the Middle Ages – albeit with simpler means. In modern coin minting, however, the drop-stamping process is a precisely controlled process that meets the highest standards in terms of both machinery and artistry. For collectors and numismatists, it is therefore an exciting field that impressively combines technology, design and collector’s value.