The Craft
Learn how private minting is scoped, how die striking works, and how privately produced rounds and medals differ from legal-tender coins before a custom commission.
Commission focus
A private commission begins with the intended non-circulating piece, then moves through design direction, feasibility, and project-specific terms. This educational hub explains the vocabulary and process; the project hub is the commercial starting point.
Understand the distinction between legal-tender coins and privately produced rounds or medals.
Use die-striking and design terminology to communicate the desired appearance.
Bring project-specific legal, rights, and approval questions to the commission conversation.
Good collecting starts with clear terms. These resources explain the practical differences between a coin and a round, and the steps behind custom striking.
Start a related project reviewArticles in this topic
Yes — with rules. Learn what US private mints can legally produce, the difference between coins and rounds, and how Hart Strike Mint operates within the law.
Read the guide
Learn exactly how custom copper coins are made — from artwork and die engraving to striking .999 fine copper planchets and finishing. Step-by-step guide by Hart Strike Mint.
Read the guide
Learn what a coin blank is, how a planchet differs, why a raised rim matters, and how these terms help shape a private-mint brief.
Read the guide
Learn how plain, reeded, and lettered coin edges differ, why edge design matters, and what to clarify when planning a collector-led metal piece.
Read the guide
Coin relief is the raised design above a piece’s field. Learn how depth, spacing, and visual hierarchy shape a clear minted result.
Read the guide
Learn how proof-like, matte, and antique coin finishes shape reflection, contrast, relief, and the visual mood of a custom metal piece.
Read the guideThe Craft FAQ
Clear guidance for this page’s topic. Details such as scope, availability, price, and timing need to be confirmed for the individual project.
A private mint may be able to produce a custom commemorative medal or round, but calling a piece a coin does not determine its legal status. Describe the intended use at the start so a non-circulating custom piece can be discussed appropriately. This is not legal advice.
In common U.S. precious-metals usage, a coin is issued under government authority and may have legal-tender status. A round is a privately produced bullion-style piece that is not currency.
Die striking presses a prepared metal blank between dies that carry the design, forming the image in relief. The actual production steps depend on the approved design and project specifications.
A clearer project brief
Share the purpose, preferred format, and what you already know. Project details are confirmed individually.
