Definition

• Frame.  The border of a plaque or plaquette. Frames for square or rectangular medallic items, like a picture frame, enclose the item and draws the viewer's eye inward. These are said to be an integral frame when this outermost design element is part of the mold and made at the same time as the plaque or plaquette itself. When it is separate and not molded with the piece it is said to be an unattached frame.
  Also a frame is the part of a numismatic item that encircles another part. An
  example is a ring-shaped piece in which a plug is inset to form a bimetallic piece, like the aluminum frame of a lucky cent piece. The frame is usually struck with the inset in place. These are often of contrasting color for effect.  See also bijou, mounting, surround, bimetallic.

  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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