Definition

• Support Points.  Three or more high points on the reverse of a medallic design intended to support the weight of the medal while resting on a flat surface. These high points would wear first as they protect the remainder of the design below the points of contact. Astute medal designers hide these elements in their design as they are conscious of a medal's total existence. Example: several tree limbs on two stumps in reverse design of 1928 Olympic medal. Support points are most obvious after some use, the three contact marks exhibit that wear. Generally they are not included in coin designs, as the rim supports the coin and all relief is below the rim line.

  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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