NNP

Gauge Die.  A specially prepared die with a recess to receive a blank in a precise position. The blanks for such a die are often of unusual shape, have an inlay, or some other reason must be struck with precision. An example is the Handy & Harmon Centennial Medal of 1966 which contained a thin silver inlay covering half the obverse; the design was such that the inlay had to be struck with precisely half of the obverse die. Two recessed areas in the die – creating a gauge die – at the top and bottom received a specially trimmed blank.

excerpted with permission from

An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology

For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON

Roger W. Burdette, Editor