Islamic coin - wax impression and casting

Figure x. Adams.Z. Copper disc used to create wax impression.

This was the forth method of coin making that I tried. Out of a copper disc I cut out the Arabic text so that it was in negative. I used the disc to create an impression in a piece of wax which I fashioned into a coin shape. The result is seen in figure x above. I then proceeded to use a method of casting called "lost wax casting" to cast these wax impressions in silver.

Figure 3.20 - Adams.Z., (2019) Lost wax cast silver coins

This method produced pieces that were not quite to my liking for this particular project. The reason is, because of the wax being so delicate, there were finger prints and oblong surfaces left on the wax which show after casting. It did not have the effects that I was looking for, which I then realized, was to look machine made, like Bedouin coins are, but also to look old and slightly damaged because of use.

That being said, these coins do have a personal touch, quite literally because my finger prints are on it, but also because they were made by hand by me. Making jewellery that has a "hand-made feel" is a skill I would like to improve on, and learn to appreciate more. I would like to use this method in the future, even though it was not appropriate for this concept.

Islamic coins - piercing and soldering

Figure 3.17 - Adams, Z., (2019). Coin made from piercing and soldering.

The second technique of coin making that I thought I would try out is to pierce out the word and solder it onto a piece of plate including the outer edge of the coin. The image above shows a prototype of the Arabic coin after the words and outer edge had been soldered on. I like the way the coin has come out because of how clearly in focus the Arabic word is but was too neat to resemble a Bedouin coin.

I thought about making a mould to sand cast this piece. Sand casting for my coin will involve creating a model in metal that will then be pressed into casting sand very well. The issue I was told about that might affect some of the detail of the words was the little holes and smaller details in the writing. Apparently, sand can get stuck in the holes. Hopefully with the use of files and burs, I  will be able to open up the small spaces.