Linear Circle Pubblico Deposited
- Linear Circle. A raised line forming a circle as part of the design, an annulus. It can be part of the border – as one of several elements of the border design – or such a circle appearing anywhere in the design, often where it encloses a panel, or a center circle enclosing the device. When the circle is part of the border it is called the outer circlet, when it encloses a smaller center area it is called an inner circlet (or tressure if other than circular shape). Linear circles are often placed in a design where a badge center or center emblem is to be placed for a fabricated medal. Once this is added to the base medal the linear circle forms a frame for the center emblem. A small ring or circle in a design is called an ANNULET, an example of which is a limiting guide, the focus where a hole is to be drilled. A raised line that is not a circle but outlines the area for later engraving, for instance, is called a CARTOUCHE. See also border.
excerpted with permission from
An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology
For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators
COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON