Definition

• Rounded Edge.  The edge of a medallic item without sharp corners forming an arc between the two sides. Small medals can be diestruck with such an edge, but generally these are turned on a lathe to remove the corner angles. Although the rounded edge is somewhat more pleasing to the eye, such edge treatment does make the medal more difficult to hold and handle with human fingers. It should never be done on a medal larger than four-inch diameter.  See edge, polished edge.
  In one case a two-inch medal was diestruck with a rounded edge: American Protective Tariff League Essay Medal of 1892. It was produced by Whiting Manufacturing Company of Rhode Island, a company noted for manufacturing tableware. They employed the same technique in producing the edge of the medal as the firm was accustomed in applying edges to silverware.

  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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