976 On preparing Facsimiles of Coins, fyc. [Sept. 



On preparing Facsimiles of Coins, fyc. — By J. W. Laidlay, Esq. 



Convenient, expeditious, and easy methods of making fac-similes of 

 coins, gems and inscriptions have ever been objects of importance to 

 the antiquarian and the traveller ; and as several of my correspondents 

 have found those which I am about to describe, and which I have 

 practised for some time past, to possess all these advantages, it may 

 not be amiss to devote a short space in the Journal to make them more 

 generally known. 



To prepare fac-similes of coins and medals, the operator should have 

 in readiness a few balls of yellow bees' -wax, and a little plumbago in 

 fine powder. The former may vary in size from that of a small pistol 

 bullet upwards, according to the size of the medal to be copied, and 

 may be kept in readiness for use in a wide-mouthed phial. One of 

 these waxen balls having been selected, is to be flattened by pressure 

 upon a small disc of wood or copper (an old smoothworn pyce answers 

 extremely well), which serves as a support for it, and prevents its subse- 

 quent alteration of form by keeping. The wax thus flattened and 

 extended to about the size of the medal to be copied, is to be rubbed 

 on its surface with a little of the powdered plumbago applied by means 

 of the finger. It will immediately assume a high metallic polish, and 

 is then ready to receive the impress of the coin. This is effected by 

 simply laying the latter upon the wax, and pressing it into the polished 

 surface, either with the thumb, or by means of a large pair of pincers, 

 or by any other process ensuring a uniform steady pressure. When the 

 impress is considered perfect, the coin is easily detached by a slight 

 tap, there being seldom any disposition to adhere, if sufficient plumbago 

 be employed, and more especially if the coin be breathed upon, or 

 moistened, before the operation. 



On removing the coin, the wax will be found to have received a 

 beautiful and delicately perfect impression by a process mechanically 

 analagous to that by which the original itself was formed. This pro- 

 cess will be found greatly superior to those given in books, such as 

 that by means of sealing wax, or plaster of Paris, or melted stearine. 

 The first is generally deficient in sharpness ; the last often causes 

 vexation by the adhesion of the medal, or the formation of bubbles on 



