+GeocoinGuy Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 It's time to bust out the new coin - You all asked for it - a coin design that is TOTALLY ABOUT GEOCACHING! This behemoth is 2" in diameter, tri-leveled with standard PMS and Translucent enamels. It explains 16 of the many virtues of geocaching and is a must have for any geocoin collection. The coin will be available in 2 Regular Editions - Polished Gold and Polished Nickel and 1 Limited Edition of Antique Copper. I am making some XLEs, but they will not be offered at this time. GEOCACHING VIRTUES is now available for reservations at Geocoin Design. This coin has had final art approved and the moulds are being created now. Enjoy!! ~J Quote Link to comment
+fairyhoney Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 (edited) ? Edited January 15, 2010 by fairyhoney Quote Link to comment
+Howlingmoon Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 Do you have a date when the coins will be invoiced ? And what will the difference be between LE and the RE's, as far as how they look ? The picture you posted tis all nice and well but, will that be what the finished coin will look like ? I would really like to have tis coin but, since I'm on a geocoin buying freeze, I'd like to know what I'm getting before I agree to get it. Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted January 15, 2010 Author Share Posted January 15, 2010 (edited) What you see here is the art - When the moulds are completed and the production coins are stamped out, I will update the thread with photos. I forgot to mention (but its on the reservation page) - the prices for the regular editions will be $8.50 and the LE will be priced at $10. The 3 shades of grey represent the 3 levels of the coin (recessed, neutral, and raised metal). As I have said, the coin will be produced in 3 metals, Polished Gold, Polished Nickel and Antique Copper. As for a date for invoicing, I'm thinking when the production is finished (about 3 weeks from now) ~J Edited January 15, 2010 by GeocoinGuy Quote Link to comment
+tasaint Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 Nice looking coin, Jim! Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted January 16, 2010 Author Share Posted January 16, 2010 Thanks Tracy! Oh, by the way - the LEs are almost completely spoken for. There are only 8 left! These are a great bargain for a 2" coin Quote Link to comment
+tom4props Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 (edited) Thanks Tracy! Oh, by the way - the LEs are almost completely spoken for. There are only 8 left! These are a great bargain for a 2" coin After I reserved my AC yesterday, I think there were about 31 left. I think they're gonna look great. Whoops... typo Edited January 16, 2010 by tom4props Quote Link to comment
+ThePetersTrio Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 I'd like to see a photo of the actual coin before I commit. I like the idea behind the coin and the overall design. But I'm afraid the text will be nearly impossible to read on the finished product. If I am wrong, then I will place my order. Looking forward to those photos... Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted January 16, 2010 Author Share Posted January 16, 2010 (edited) That's why this is a 2" coin - I wanted it to be big enough so you wouldn't have to squint to read it - and for it not to be 'printed'. The text is all raised metal, and will be flush with the hard enamel coloring. The LE has JUST SOLD OUT - (well, reserved out...) I put the coins into production about 4 hours ago I can't wait!!! ~J Edited January 16, 2010 by GeocoinGuy Quote Link to comment
+Butterfly_lady Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 What's SOGA? S O Geocaching Addiction??? Is this a regional saying? Would be interested. Quote Link to comment
+ghettomedic Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 Reserved mine! Quote Link to comment
+ECplus3 Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 What's SOGA? S O Geocaching Addiction??? Is this a regional saying? Would be interested. The block next to the icon contains an explanation. SOGA = Signs of Geocaching Activity Quote Link to comment
+Butterfly_lady Posted January 19, 2010 Share Posted January 19, 2010 What's SOGA? S O Geocaching Addiction??? Is this a regional saying? Would be interested. The block next to the icon contains an explanation. SOGA = Signs of Geocaching Activity Thanks - progressive specs + being a golden girl = blurry small print Quote Link to comment
+DresselDragons Posted January 19, 2010 Share Posted January 19, 2010 I would've preferred to see the mint artwork...the one explaining raised/recessed/etc, or a photo of samples. Based on the posted art, it almost looks like the text and symbols will be screen printed on. Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted January 19, 2010 Author Share Posted January 19, 2010 There will be no screenprinting - which is why this is going to be a 2" coin. The final mint art shows the textures, which I installed after the art was correct. I won't post the mint art here, but if you would like to see it, you can view it here. ~J Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted January 21, 2010 Author Share Posted January 21, 2010 GREAT NEWS!!! I am receiving photos from the mint for a photo pictorial on how this coin will be made. From mould creation, coin stamping, enamel filling, buffing, packaging - you will see it all!! I will update the thread as required, but I thought it was very cool news! You can follow me on Twitter as well for updates. ~J Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted January 22, 2010 Author Share Posted January 22, 2010 I should have Mould pics tomorrow... woot! ~J Quote Link to comment
+tom4props Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 Invoice received and sent. Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted January 23, 2010 Author Share Posted January 23, 2010 Thanks guys, but you really were under no obligation to pay your invoices yet as I explained in my newsletter. I don't ever want the confidence of my customers lost again, but I do appreciate it. ~J Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted January 25, 2010 Author Share Posted January 25, 2010 Okay.. so here are the first pictures of the mould plates from the mint... They aren't that good at focusing, but you get the general idea. I have asked for better quality photos. The first press plate is the mirror image that creates the metal stamp. The second is the press plate outcome. Enjoy! ~J Quote Link to comment
+fairyhoney Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 Okay.. so here are the first pictures of the mould plates from the mint... They aren't that good at focusing, but you get the general idea. I have asked for better quality photos. The first press plate is the mirror image that creates the metal stamp. The second is the press plate outcome. Enjoy! ~J Thank you - It is amazing how that becomes a geocoin Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted January 25, 2010 Author Share Posted January 25, 2010 It's really pretty cool.. I can't wait to get CLEAR photos.. But as you can see, NO TEXT WILL BE PRINTED - it's going to be raised metal that will be flush with the enamels after they are filled. ~J Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted January 28, 2010 Author Share Posted January 28, 2010 After the mould plates are etched, the surrounding metal is ground off... and the designated textures are applied. This leaves a gritty mess of a mould, so they are then Acid Washed to remove any remaining debris. The photos below show the result of that process (please keep in mind, I have REVERSED the bottom two photos so those of you who can't read the negative mould, can read what will be on the coins) ~ Geocaching Virtues Geocoin (Moulds in Negative) Geocaching Virtues Geocoin (Acid Washed Moulds - Photos Reversed to read) Geocaching Virtues Geocoin (Front Mould - Close Up) I hope this brings a better understanding of how coins are produced, and as soon as I get photos of the metal stamping process, I will continue to update this thread. Needless to say.. the moulds are completed for this coin! For those unable to read the coin - keep in mind, what you see is NEGATIVE SPACE. This space will be filled with metal when the raw material is pressed by the mould. The result will be a coin with RAISED metal text and the surrounding space will be textured. Enjoy! ~J Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted January 29, 2010 Author Share Posted January 29, 2010 I should have more photos to add to this tonight... The coins are being stamped out now - ~J Quote Link to comment
+Where'sMyMarbles Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 Awesome coin, incredible, but I need to see a pic of the gold and nickel to decide which one I like better. Again, great job on the design! Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted January 30, 2010 Author Share Posted January 30, 2010 Here's a thought... get one of each ~J Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted January 30, 2010 Author Share Posted January 30, 2010 After the moulds are placed and locked into the mould press, the raw material is then placed atop the bottom mould (I'm getting confirmation on whether this is an automated process, or done by hand from the production facility). The material is then pressed by the mould. Its pressure is greater 400,000 ft lbs per sq inch (200 Tons)! The result is that the material fills the negative space of the mould. The result is pictured: Geocaching Virtues - Side 1 Geocaching Virtues - Side 2 I hope everyone is enjoying seeing just how these coins are made! Enjoy ~ ~J Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted February 2, 2010 Author Share Posted February 2, 2010 Just got a new series of photos from the production facility ~ What takes place after the first mould press is that the coins then go to enameling. Its important to do the enameling prior to any plating so the enamel adheres to the rough metal. Once the enamel is filled, the coins then go to plating. What you see here are the coins after enameling and plating - but they are still ROUGH from the grinding and the smooth finishes that we all enjoy from our beloved coins have yet to be seen. Coins laid out on drying surface Close up view of the detail print (Raised metal) on Side 1 Close up view of the detail on Side 2 Enjoy!! ~J Quote Link to comment
+Howlingmoon Posted February 2, 2010 Share Posted February 2, 2010 Do you know which finish they're showing us ? I'm still worried/interested to see what the LE will actually look like... Quote Link to comment
+ST13PILOT Posted February 2, 2010 Share Posted February 2, 2010 I'm more interested in the process. Thank you for all the extra work of sharing these! Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted February 2, 2010 Author Share Posted February 2, 2010 Do you know which finish they're showing us ? I'm still worried/interested to see what the LE will actually look like... These appear to be the Polished Gold version (Although, they don't appear to be polished as of yet ) ~J Quote Link to comment
+Where'sMyMarbles Posted February 2, 2010 Share Posted February 2, 2010 Very nice....so I've never "reserved" coins before. What if I reserve one of each, but decide I don't like one color, can I "return" the one? Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted February 3, 2010 Author Share Posted February 3, 2010 Very nice....so I've never "reserved" coins before. What if I reserve one of each, but decide I don't like one color, can I "return" the one? The reservation is an agreement to purchase without actually purchasing. If you are unsure if you will like the coin, my suggestion is not to reserve it and seek a trade for it on the trade thread (which is pinned at the top of this forum). ~J Quote Link to comment
+catsnfish Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 That's some great pics of the processes! with all of the text did you have trouble with typo's with the mint drawings? Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted February 3, 2010 Author Share Posted February 3, 2010 That's some great pics of the processes! with all of the text did you have trouble with typo's with the mint drawings? Actually, I had to increase the size of the entire coin to facilitate the text being done in raised metal in lieu of printing. This coin will be 2" - so all the text will be legible to the naked eye when held in your hand. ~J Quote Link to comment
+catsnfish Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 is all of the enameling done by hand? I never realized the the enameling came before plating, makes sense though Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted February 3, 2010 Author Share Posted February 3, 2010 is all of the enameling done by hand? I never realized the the enameling came before plating, makes sense though Not all manufacturers fill the enamel prior to plating, which causes the enamel to chip off of some coins. I prefer it be done this way to ensure that the enamel adheres to the metal. To answer your question, yes, the enameling is done completely by hand, and for very detailed enameling, it is performed with a syringe and needle while the enamel is warm. For Hard Enamel, this allows for all the air bubbles to rise to the surface, and any imperfections are normally ground off which results in an enamel equal in height with the highest level of metal on the coin. ~J Quote Link to comment
+catsnfish Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Will you be getting pics of the finishing process? by the way what is the hole in the middle for? Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted February 5, 2010 Author Share Posted February 5, 2010 Will you be getting pics of the finishing process? by the way what is the hole in the middle for? I will be getting pictures of the finishings - although the factory is cramming to tie up all productions prior to the beginning of Chinese New Year - when they close down for 2 weeks. I'm not exactly sure if I will receive photos of work in progress or the final result. The hole in the middle is simple. Alot of people drill holes in their coins and attach tags of ownership and what not.. since the design of this coin is circular, it was thought that by placing a die cut in the center, it will keep the integrity of the coin intact while still providing a means of tag attachment without 'drilling' for it. I can't wait for the new photos! This truly has been an amazing process to watch. ~J Quote Link to comment
+catsnfish Posted February 6, 2010 Share Posted February 6, 2010 I've always been interested on processes, in fact my job is based on assigning values to different manufacturing processes. One of my favorite tv shows is "How It's Made" on the Discovery Channel. Fascinating stuff. Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted February 6, 2010 Author Share Posted February 6, 2010 Just received confirmation from the production facility that Virtues will be completed and sent out to me TOMORROW 2/7/10. YAY! I'm awaiting on final production photos Quote Link to comment
+2Jeeps2Jacks Posted February 6, 2010 Share Posted February 6, 2010 Placed our reservations for both the Gold & Nickle versions. We can't wait to get them. Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted February 6, 2010 Author Share Posted February 6, 2010 There are about 20 Gold and Nickel coins left, so I am going to close up reservations for these after Super Bowl 2/7/10. At that time, the remaining coins will be up for grabs. All invoices have been sent out, and I will begin shipping these coins out on Wednesday, 2/10/10. ~J Quote Link to comment
+Where'sMyMarbles Posted February 6, 2010 Share Posted February 6, 2010 Yay! So exciting, I reserved two gold! Can't wait! Quote Link to comment
+2Jeeps2Jacks Posted February 6, 2010 Share Posted February 6, 2010 ... All invoices have been sent out, and I will begin shipping these coins out on Wednesday, 2/10/10. ~J Invoice paid, I'm gonna go sit by the mailbox and wait. Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted February 7, 2010 Author Share Posted February 7, 2010 Just received the shipping tracking number from the production facility - The Virtues are enroute 1 day early!! Woot! ~J Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted February 7, 2010 Author Share Posted February 7, 2010 Received production photos this morning: Geocaching Virtues - Polished Gold Geocaching Virtues - Polished Nickel Geocaching Virtues LE - Antique Copper Enjoy! ~J Quote Link to comment
+Eartha Posted February 7, 2010 Share Posted February 7, 2010 Title updated at OP's request. Quote Link to comment
+Where'sMyMarbles Posted February 7, 2010 Share Posted February 7, 2010 Wow!!!! Thank you so much for all these updates GeocoinGuy!!! These are truly incredible, I can't believe there are still some for reserve! Will there be any LE - Antique Copper available again? Quote Link to comment
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