Regal Edges On 8 Reales

There is NO source for genuine edge designs now available. The best in my opinion can be estimated by viewing the matrix punch illustrated in Gilboy's book. It is a simple pattern of two rectangles and a circle in between. The rectangles are both the same size - and all three have the same wall thicknesses.

Regarding range of variation - we have no pictures of the other matrix blocks used at the other mints yet. I hope some day we do. Until then I suggest creating your own matrix block (reconstructions) by looking at as many coins as possible. There is absolutely no reason to postulate more than a slight initial variation between the matrix blocks initially, but I would expect that there might be subtle changes in designs when the blocks were changed at the change of the Kings.

This is not a difficult task or even one that takes a great deal of effort.

The key to detecting counterfeits by reviewing the edge is to spot differences in the edge pattern which could not happen.

1. Since there are two Rectangles and a circle in between then on each punch - there can never be two circles adjacent to one another except at overlaps.

2. Since all three elements have the same dimensions of height and width - there can be NO variation in size or wall thickness as you travel around the edge.

3. The distance between the circle and the adjacent two rectangles CAN NOT VARY unless there is ONE double set rectangle involved.

4. The edge design can not change angle (wave side to side) unless a rectangle shows a rotated overlapping punch.

5. There can be no angle change at the circles - that is impossible.

6. Regarding the application - there much be two overlaps at precisely 180 degrees apart on the edge and they must be the same length.

All of the above are simple physics based on the way the edge dies were made. Any coin that varies from this pattern of consistency must be treated as suspect and/or counterfeit.

Rocky Road




A double set rectangle refers to the making of the edge die itself and not the overlap of the two edge dies on the coin. It happens when the three segment punch is set into the edge die. At both ends is a rectangle. Here is a sketch I made of the punch:



The die would be created by placing the first rectangle on this die over the last previously punched rectangle. This maintains spacing and directionality. The overlap should be extremely minimal but aligned with the previous punch. Because the die was set into a groove in the edger die a twist at the rectangle would be minimal and based on the width of the groove it would be a few degrees at most. The edge die was not a sloppy undertaking. It was an anti-counterfeiting device.

This moves right into the second question about the degree of rotation that can be seen between individual segments on the same die. It is response to counterfeit die patterns where odd rotations are seen.

First you need to envision a shallow groove cut in a metal block that is just slightly wider than the blank that will be edged. This is the beginning of a standard edging die. The design is punched into the bottom of the groove with the punch shown above. The graver starts at one end (left end for discussion) of the die (which is at most 2-3 inches in length - it has to be only slightly over 1/2 the circumference of the coin) and sets the punch. The result is a rectangle a circle and a second rectangle. The punch is the approximate width of the groove so there is little to no play side to side. The graver moves the punch to the right so the left rectangle on the punch sits over the right rectangle punched into the die. This placement can be felt and assures a proper special alignment while the groove aligns the punch on the other axis. This procedure repeated 8 or 9 times creates a die. The base of the groove can then be leveled by grinding (to off-set differential setting depth) and the result is ready to have the ends made suitable for mounting in the apparatus.

Here is a sketch of a series of punches 1-5 and the result at top.



So based on this theory of die manufacture (based on available data) there is no way that a die pattern should rotate internally more than a couple degrees and that rotation will begin and end at a rectangle. On forgeries of all types 1,2 and 3 this is not the case.

Some edge dies were made with two punches a circle and a rectangle and the pattern is variable entirely.



Others made with two punches will have variations at the punch seam.



Next think of these punches being placed out of alignment on a flat die face one without the machined groove. Those could rotate which is a bit harder to show.

That should give you a picture of the overlaps within the edge die itself. These are harder to see - but seen most clearly on counterfeits where dies are not usually made as well.

Here is a picture that is enlarged along the vertical axis 2x - it shows a pattern in the edging that is incorrect which becomes super visible when you increase the vertical aspect of the picture.




None of this is to be confused with the two overlaps in the application of the edge die to the blank.