Definition

• Ball-tip.  A small sphere at the end of a projection on a medallic item to eliminate sharp points, particularly on decorations, badges or other items to be worn. Such ball-tips prevent the point of the projection from piercing any garment (or skin!) and actually adds to the aesthetic beauty of the piece. Certain crosses – as Maltese crosses – are frequently designed with ball-tips because of their shape and sharp pointed arms.

  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

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