Matrix (numismatics)

{{Short description|Intermediate mould used in the process of manufacturing coins}} In numismatics, a '''matrix''' is an intermediate mould used in the process of manufacturing coins. The use of a matrix lengthens the production of dies, but makes for a gain in consistency.

==Terminology== The matrix is an "original die": indeed it has its design in the same sense as a die. The design is incised into the matrix, which is used to create '''punches'''. The creation of a matrix addresses the basic problem for the coinage of '''multiplying dies''', i.e. having enough accurate copies of dies to produce long runs of essentially identical coins.<ref>{{cite book |last=Billing |first=Archibald |authorlink=Archibald Billing |title=The Science of Gems, Jewels, Coins, and Medals, Ancient and Modern |date=1875 |publisher=Daldy & Hill |page=94 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3TRAAAAAYAAJ&q=Matrix+coin+making |accessdate=18 June 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Mechanic's Magazine, Museum, Register, Journal & Gazette |date=1834 |publisher=Knight and Lacey |page=188 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CEg_vZtDhV0C&pg=PA188 |language=en}}</ref> The creation of a '''master punch''' from a matrix is called "hobbing".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Salzano |first1=Tammi |title=Deluxe Canadian coin collecting album |date=2009 |publisher=Scholastic Canada |isbn=9780545177399 |page=33 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z_OsZCew6JUC&pg=PP33 |language=en}}</ref>

In contrast, a '''patrix''' is a type of master punch with a design in relief, used to create dies.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Courtney |first1=Yolanda C. S. |last2=Britain) |first2=Royal Numismatic Society (Great |title=Public house tokens in England and Wales c.1830-c.1920 |date=2004 |publisher=Royal Numismatic Society |isbn=9780901405784 |page=117 |language=en}}</ref>

==References== {{Portal|Money}} {{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Matrix (Numismatics)}} Category:Numismatic terminology Category:Currency production