Ball-tip
Ball-tip. A small sphere at the end of a projection on a medallic item to eliminate sharp points, particularly on decorations, badges or other items to be worn. Such ball-tips prevent the point of the projection from piercing any garment (or skin!) and actually adds to the aesthetic beauty of the piece. Certain crosses – as Maltese crosses – are frequently designed with ball-tips because of their shape and sharp pointed arms.
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