NNP

Matrix Plate.  A hard metal tool, a master containing negative cavities from which punches and puncheons can be formed into letters, figures and symbols. Matrix plates are usually brass and contain all letters and figures of one size alphabet. They are made by hand carving a punch with the exact design and pressing each of these into the brass matrix plate. Punches, being iron, can be hardened or softened as needed, softened (by annealing) to be carved; or hardened (by tempering) to be used. Brass is ideal for the plate in contact with iron (which does not require the use of a flux or a lubricant). After the punch is pressed into the matrix plate, it is given a bevel (much like sharpening a pencil). The letter, figure or symbol is positive at the end of the pointed punch and the bevel of each letter or figure on the side of the punch will reproduce as the bevel in the die. See punch, puncheon (1).

References:                                                                                                                             

C66 {1988} Cooper p 80, illus.

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