NNP

Machine Inscribing.  Mechanical (or computer) controlled cutting of letters or design on existing medallic surface, often in a reserve or cartouche. While this is popularly called engraving, this form of inscribing gives uniformity to the lettering in contrast to hand inscribing – every individual character will look like the same character repeated a second or subsequent time. Machine inscribing is performed by “engraving machines” that are controlled from template letters (matrixes). The actual inscribing is derived from a rotating router in contrast to machine engraving that is a controlled milling machine (which can crate modulated relief).  See flat engraving under machine engraving in previous entry.

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