NNP

Holding Taper.  A draft or bevel of relief which is so steep it prohibits the release of any piece made by a die or mold. For most diestruck work this is 2 1/2°, with a minimum of 5° taper recommended for ease of striking.  See bevel, draft.

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