OOps - I'm very sorry, Daniel ...... it was just a coincidence that my niece, Danielle phoned while I was writing that comment. And now, for some reason, it doesn't give me the option to correct my post.
Wow! That high pressure must act like a leaching process then.
Once when I was striking some 63mm pewter, I failed to notice that the coin press was adjusted for blanks that were half the tickness of the blank I just inserted. Compared to other metals, striking pewter is like "punching pillows". When I stamped this one, it literally went "poof !", and flakes of pewter went flying all over the room - like a feather pillow that had exploded.
I received the memorial medallion today, which was a bit sentimental due to the fact that a local friend of mine died this morning. (He had previously told me he's left me some Russian coins in his will.) I think Daniel Carr's rendition of Gary Burke is amazing. What a great innovation! There's some press grease on the rims, but that lends itself to the hand wrought authenticity of the piece. Cheers!
Thanks. It isn't really "press grease" - more like planchet grease. The pewter is sort of a "greasy" metal, with lots of impurity inclusions.
The Burke Family in Delta, Colorado is still absolutely in awe over the medallions produced by KOTCT and Daniel Carr's Moonlight Mint. They have received more requests from family members for the medallions so if any of you have extra medallions for sale PLEASE email MedicMichelle with information. You can email her by going to the "members" list and search for her name. Thank you in advance for any consideration you give this request.
I've actually still got about 5 pieces that are struck just fine, but I had issues applying the edge lettering and it didn't come out quite right (doubled lettering and/or partially missing edge lettering). I was going to destroy those "rejects", but didn't yet. I can send those. I also have the die which I could also send. What address should I send them to ?
Ok, this is what I came up with. The Kelpie didn't really work out as I wanted to try and have a portrait in the design, and the resulting arrangement didn't leave much room. I'm going to try something I've never done before on a coin, but I think it will work. I'm planning to incorporate a "dot matrix" image directly into the engraving. When engraved, the "dots" will be little depressions in the die face (raised on the struck medal). When combined with polishing on the high points of the die (standard proof-like finish), the image will be revealed when the polished areas reflect dark (with raised dots frosted white).
I'm also expecting to put additional edge lettering on them. There is a lot of room on the edge and I can use a large font. Something like "In Memory of Gary Burke, 27 DEC 1942 - 18 MAR 2010".
Nevol please put me down for one. I have room in my life for another heirloom!
Gary didn't just ship packages or coins around the world. He shipped friendship!
"Shipping Friendship Around the World" - I think I like the idea of that, rather than "tears around the world". Makes more sense with the "turtle delivery" theme. Also a way to remember Gary for the good parts, not the sad parts.
I would suggest doing a 63mm pewter medal, showing a memorial turtle design on one side, with the standard 2009 KOTCT shield on the other. That way, there is only the cost for one die. And 63mm gives plenty of space for all the desired imagery and wording. Although the 63mm pewter blanks cost a lot more than the 39mm copper blanks, the total cost of doing the medal in 39mm with two new dies would be more than the 63mm medals with one new die. There is the possibility of doing a 39mm medal with the turtle design on one side and the standard shield on the other. This would be the lowest cost option. But there might not be enough space in 39mm to put everything on one side.
The dies are ready. I'm currently awaiting the arrival of some more silver as well as a due fixture piece for holding the 63mm dies in the coin press. I'll probably strike the 63mm and 39mm satin pieces first this week. As soon as I get more silver blanks ready I'll do the 39mm proof-like pieces.
I like battling the skeletons theme as long as the wizard is kicking their butts. Skeletons and zombies remind me of politicians. Skeletons being what they call their "visions" and "ideas."
How about actual coin dealers--Lyman Low and Ed Frossard--having a sword fight? Allegedly they really did have a fist fight once at an auction.
The Strawberry cent duel.
Yes, the advancing skeletons would be blown to bits. The skeletons would represent the destructive forces of corrupt banks. The Wizard would represent sound economic principles.
Show Posts
Allegedly they really did have a fist fight once at an auction. 
