Definition

• Upsetting.  (1) Working the surface of a die during hand engraving by raising relief. Upsetting in diework is to emboss the surface around what is wanted to raise a small amount of metal from the surface, working it with punches. The hand engraver will emboss and lift a small portion of metal, replacing it by moving adjacent surface metal. Upsetting can be done whether the engraver is cutting an intaglio (negative) die or a cameo (positive) die. Upsetting can also repair any foul bites or any inadvertent cuts made by the engraver, but always by taking material from one place and pushing it to other areas where it is needed. For small areas this is called picking.

  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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