Glossary

Die Trials are usually uniface (struck on one side) impressions using either the obverse or reverse die. These Die Trials can be from finished or unfinished dies. These are deliberate strikes to test a certain design or example. Sometimes hubs are used, rather than the actual finished die.

Metals other than the adopted composition are frequently used to strike hub trials and die trials. They are sometimes struck in copper and white metal. Other times they are struck in softer metals like tin or lead. There are even some examples struck in wax and on cardboard. Die Trials that are struck in gold are exceeding rare.

There is something really special about holding a gold die trial that is also uniface or on a larger planchet.

This historical museum quality set of gold Coronation Die Trial Strikes was authenticated and certified by PCGS and is one of only two known sets. It is amazing that after 400 years, these gold Die Trials remained together, intact and preserved in gem mint state condition. They are both 5 Ducat size in diameter, 39 mm and 37 mm.