Definition

• Type Metal.  A lead alloy containing tin and antimony, it was readily available in letterpress printing shops until the mid-20th century. Infrequently used to cast medals, it is not a satisfactory composition for numismatic items. Most notable are Columbian medals of 1892 cast in type metal by the George H. Bennett Company of Chicago for the Columbian Exposition. A few pieces were cast in type metal after this event, during the 1896 McKinley-Bryan presidential election when a few varieties of Bryan Money were made of this ersatz composition. It often deteriorates in time by lead disease.

  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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