NNP

Center Emblem.  A separate medallic item, an insert applied to a larger item to customize the piece in some way. Usually the center emblem is a thin shell, but infrequently it could be a thin medalet.  Often the frame is a struck item, the center emblem is customized, or a custom frame is mounted with a stock insert. An example could be a state seal as a center emblem applied to a stock inspector's badge to form a customized state inspector's badge. When a center emblem is applied to a badge it is also called a badge center. The base medal or badge usually is designed with a linear circle as the focus where the center emblem is to be affixed, with solder or epoxy.  See insert (2).

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