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 Replies: 30 / Views: 5,478 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3444 Posts |
I used a silicon 2 part molding product that I used to purchase from a Dental Supply store. I used this for unifice molds (rings & pendants) by placing a 'blob' of the silicon on the top center of the coin it would slowly ooze down around the edges thus avoiding the problem of bubbles. You can set the wax coin on top of a wax ring. For filling the 'cracks' I had a snack of cheese and crackers (Guda cheese) saving the soft red wax and warming it in my hands I filled the unwanted spaces with it. Are you going to vacuum cast ?
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2480 Posts |
Not sure. I have access to both centrifugal and vacuum. Haven't done either before but I've read about it and watched it, not afraid to make a mistake, and I am diligent about safety. Several female friends would like this as a pendant (admirable Athena and what girl doesn't like a flying horse?) so I'll probably make a master and then cast more from that. Somewhat related, I want to try to make some crude minted coins. Have you done that before, FVRIVS? Debating which metal to use for the dies. Tool steel? Which alloy? Brass? Guess I could CAD up some coins and have someone else make the dies but I would rather have something completely handmade and rustic. Oh, Ben-- I forgot to answer your question. It's 21mm. Didn't measure the thickness, probably just under 2mm at the rim and ~2.5+ at the center. In a harebrained moment last week I had the 'brilliant' idea to use some Sculpy clay to make the dies. Didn't have any suitable metal on hand for dies. Made my obverse and reverse designs by hand (they were wonderfully awful). Made two flans from some fine silver scrap, annealed them. You guessed it-- not a mark on the silver (duh)--the cured Sculpy had way too much flex. And with the first attempt, the flan squirted out into the bushes and is still lost.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
4208 Posts |
I once made an impression of a coin like that. Turned out pretty badly, but its an alright way of preserving an imprint. You could make a signet ring or something.
I found that using air drying clay and some foil, you could make an alright 'silver' copy. Not that I kept any (just an impression of Constantine II).
If you succeed in making a metal copy, do you reckon you could do a commission?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2480 Posts |
Sure! I have all kinds of tools and equipment, for metal working and for all kinds of hobbies and creative pursuits. Haven't bought casting equipment-- yet-- but it doesn't take much more than what I have.
If there's something you want cast, I'm sure I could do it one way or another. Lemme get a few under my belt first so that I make the mistakes with my own stuff.
If it goes well and you want something cast, you could probably send me a silicone impression rather than the coin. When it comes time for that, I could send you instructions on exactly how to do it for the best results.
I'm really excited by the idea of minting some homemade coins though-- not casting. The diemaking is going to be the hard part. The rest is fun. Hot metal, big hammer.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3444 Posts |
I never had the opportunity to do the coin die. I wanted to and should have as I had possession of a 20 Ton drop forging press.
Tool steel would be best but as long as you are 'minting' pure silver or copper bronze would work as well.
It is a question of how long your die will last !
After trying to cast coins whole I found it too much of a headache for what I wanted them for.
Uniface castings are much easier to produce and the edges are undisturbed by the sprue being attached.
If you are making pendants you may want to try the 'easy' way first before you tackle the problems of two sided casts.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2480 Posts |
20 ton drop forge press, wow, that's some serious equipment. I've toyed with the idea of buying a hydraulic press (Bonny Doon) but it would be quite a splurge and there are many other things I'd rather buy with that money. Still, the fun...
I'll take your advice and try a one-sided first, or at least do both at the same time for comparison. I have a number of waxes to cast in the near future. I'll sprue them up on a tree and see what works and what doesn't. Will use fine silver for the first round.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2480 Posts |
For uniface casting, maybe I should try Delft clay. Would be very inexpensive and the texture may look good for making ancient-looking coins.
[putting some Delft clay and casting rings in my shopping cart right now]
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2100 Posts |
This is a lovely coin that would hold pride of place in many good collections. There are several aapects of the coin to like and not many to dislike.
I can really say that I am jealous. I have never bought a Corinth Stater for myself but I did buy one for my daughter when she was 10 years old. It had something to do with the Pegasus reverse design......
Congratulations on a lovely looking coin.
Martin
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Very nicely struck on both sides--it's a beauty!
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
Nice details on that coin... these are on of my favourites.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2480 Posts |
I just read something surprising. According to Harlen J. Berk in his book 100 Greatest Ancient Coins, the goddess on these coins is not Athena!
Excerpt:
"The reverse of these staters at first had only a punch mark, but that was soon replaced by the head of a lovely woman wearing a helmet. The head was long identified as Athena, but is now recognized as an armed Aphrodite, the chief goddess of the city. There was a famous temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, on the Acrocorinthos, and the long and winding road up to it was lined with establishments catering to those who worshipped the goddess. Corinth was the favorite port for ancient Greek soldiers on leave."
I downloaded the Kindle book and wow, definitely worth it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
Yes and according to HJB a $200 coin is worth $650.
I think when you make your replica, you inscribe it with PHLIKA that would be funny.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1411 Posts |
If I remember correctly (I am currently away from my books), the only form of Aphrodite that would make sense was not worshiped in mainland Greece, only in the east.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1569 Posts |
Stunning coin  You will never soar like an eagle if you hang around with turkeys.....
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1316 Posts |
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Replies: 30 / Views: 5,478 |
First Page
Posted 07/04/2013 2:04 pm
