NNP

Polished Edge.  A medallic item whose edge is polished to a reflective surface. Such items are usually made by jewelry manufacturing firms; the edge is polished and sometimes other parts of the medallic item as well – as lettering and some relief – in contrast to antique or other finish. A polished edge makes a medallic piece more difficult to pick up or hold by human fingers; it should never be done on a large or heavy medal. The example illustrated – the Louisiana Grand Lodge Centennial Medal of 1912 – was struck in bronze, goldplated and edge polished. It was intended to be hung from a ribbon drape so not to have the difficult of picking it up with the fingers. It was made by the Robbins Company of Attleboro, Massachusetts.  See jewelry finish.

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