PPAI 113280 • ASI 96450 • UPIC WENDELLS •SAGE 54418
Design and Minting Process
Artwork and Ordering
Our design and production processes have been developed to produce coins, key tags and medallions that will delight every recipient, creating a lasting impression and a wonderful reflection on you.
The design and production process requires attention to detail and careful control; the first step being attention to the detail of your expectations of the project. It is our responsibility as minting experts to translate your expectations into a minted product that meets or exceeds your expectations by delivering quality and value. This allows you to focus on other aspects of the program or presentation comfortable in the knowledge that you have a world class design and production team working for you. The following is a guide to describe the basics of the design and production process while addressing frequently asked questions.
Die Design
Creating your own custom minted medallion begins with an assesment of the goal of your coin. Through referencing photographs, prepared illustrations or your general concept our skilled artisans will work with you to develop the perfect illustrations for your coin dies. Our artists have years of experience turning concept into 3D representation with spectacular results. We would like you to feel comfortable with your purchase and offer various proofing options to meet your individual needs.Die costs vary depending on their complexity and relief. You will receive a detailed quotation of die costs upon receipt of your concept and supporting supporting artwork.
You can also choose from one of our many Stock Medallion Designs for a quick yet attractive final product.
The coining die is produced from a heat treated, stress relieved tool steel alloy that will withstand the shock and pressure of the coining process where pressures that exceed 300 tons per square inch create the relief and detail in your coin key tag design.
The 3 Levels of Die Art For Coining Dies
Single Level/2D Text
195.00 - 250.00(z)
Using common fonts all of the detail is rendered to one level.
Multilevel Simple Design
295.00 - 395.00(z)
Incorporates artwork, shapes, depths, shading and other methods to replicate a corporate logo or character image.
Sculpted
400 and higher (z)
Our artists will create a sculpted die to bring exceptionally fine detail and a strong bas-relief impression to your medallion. The stunning results are sure to impress.
The level of your artwork will be decided based on consultation however we encourage you to imagine the possibilities for your project along each level of complexity.
What is a Planchet or Blank?
Wendell's orders coil stock to strict material specifications for our production process. The coil is blanked to exacting tolerances of dimension and flatness, rimmed in a process that deburrs the blank and prepares it to form the coin border. Finally the blank is burnished to clean and polish the metal creating a planchet that is prepared to produce an outstanding surface finish on the coin, keytag or medallion.
Coining Process
Wendell's quality die struck products are produced with the same process the government treasury uses to mint coin currency. Minting is a process where a specially prepared coining material (blank) is struck (coined) by two sculpted coining dies while it is constrained in a tool steel collar.
Customization
Materials
Minted coins, key tags and medallions are produced from the finest solid coining materials. Popular material options are Premium Bronze, Copper, NiCodium and Aluminum. Solid 24K Gold and Pure .999 Fine Silver are also available for special projects or these premium materials can be added to your coining program for special presentation or recognition.Our material options are displayed at our Materials page.
Finishes
Standard finish on quality minted coins, key tags and medallions is a bright natural coin finish. All Wendell’s finishes include coating with a durable baked lacquer which protects the beauty of the design. Tokens are natural metal; no additional finish is applied. Our material and finish options are displayed at our Materials page.
Finished THICKNESS
Material thickness or gauge options vary between materials The following are standard material thickness options. Finished products vary in thickness due to the borders formed in the minting process.
- 15 gauge - .057” (Tokens only)
- 14 gauge - .064”
- 12 gauge - .080”
- 10 gauge - .101”
Surface MARKING
As a secondary operation your coin can be designed to allow engraving or stamping of serial numbers or other personalization for added value and versatility. Your sales representative will assist you in the development of your surface marking specifications. There are also a number of stock designs available at no cost that facilitates this capability. Ask your sales representative for more information.
Epoxy FILL
A durable heat cured epoxy color fill is a wonderful option that adds beauty and value to your coin. Color can be added to all or a part of an order however, the coining dies must be designed to facilitate the color process. Throughout the catalog, there are examples of how color has been applied to coin designs. Wendell’s attempts to match PMS color specifications with epoxy color, however variations in substrate color inherent in hand finishing operations may result in minimal color variation. Your sales representative can help you incorporate this beautiful feature into your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Order Acknowledgement
Wendell's will acknowledge your order, in writing, to confirm order details, pricing and delivery. Your acknowledgement will also include our internal project routing number. Please refer to this when making inquiries.
Art REQUIREMENTS
Black and White artwork must be submitted of sufficient quality to be scanned and digitized for pre-production preparation of the image. Artwork may be submitted electronically or on a disk in the following formats; Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw V 9.0 or any EPS file MAC or PC compatible. Our Sales Representative will be pleased to assist in art interpretation to provide the results you are seeking with the design. If art supplied is not within these guidelines, there may be a charge for development and/or conversion expense. Three dimensional die striking may require additional information or photos.
Trademarks and COPYRIGHTED IMAGES
It is the customer’s responsibility to secure permission for the usage of any trademarked or copyrighted material prior to submitting the artwork for design or a coin, key tag or medallion.
DIGITAL PROOFS
You will receive a digital proof of your designs prior to the production of tooling. Please review this carefully prior to approval. It is our objective to faithfully reproduce your design and welcome your inspection and critique of the artwork rendition.
Custom Die CHARGE
Coins, medallions and key tags are created using two coining dies in a simultaneous striking process. All custom coins, key tags or Medallions require two dies for production even if the same image is to be on both sides of the product. Dies purchased are the property of the customer; however we recommend that dies be maintained at the factory for your exclusive use. The factory assumes all responsibility for the safe keeping and maintenance of the dies to include replacement if their usage exceeds the life of the die, Dies will be maintained for five years from the date of order shipment after which they will be considered obsolete and destroyed. Dies that are removed from the factory are not covered by this guarantee.
Packaging
1 inch and 1 5/16” are roll wrapped for protection. 39 mm, 1 9/16” & 1 15/16” coins and all key tags are individually poly bagged for protection. Single carton counts and weights are listed below.
Catalog PRICING
All pricing shown are effective as dated and remain in effect until superseded. All quotations will be valid for 30 days from the date of quotation unless renewed.
Returns and ADJUSTMENTS
The sales and production processes used are designed to avoid errors. We stand behind the integrity and accuracy of every order and will replace any products incorrectly manufactured.
Stock merchandise will be accepted for return only with prior authorization. Returns on stock items are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
Overruns/UNDERRUNS
Wendell’s makes every attempt to ship the exact quantity ordered. We reserve the right to ship 3% overrun.
Production
Production lead-times vary. Wendell’s will always do everything possible to satisfy the production lead-time requested. It is our policy to avoid charging for rush service however, costs outside of the normal production process such as overnight service on foil or lead proofs will be charged.
Shipping
All shipments are FOB factory. Shipping is prepaid and added to the invoice. All products are carefully packaged and shipped in appropriate cartons to assure safe transit to the desired destination. Responsibility for the merchandise is transferred, with the proper acceptance of goods by a recognized carrier. All claims for lost or damaged merchandise resulting from the shipping negligence must be made by the receiving party with the appropriate shipper.
Multiple DESTINATIONS
When the total order is shipped to multiple destinations at one time, a $5.00 (Z) Charge per Drop-Ship destination applies.