Dual plating applies two different metal finishes to a single coin, most commonly gold and silver, so that separate elements of the design read as distinct from one another.

It is a masking process. One plating is applied across the coin, then areas are masked off and a second plating is applied to the exposed parts. The result is two genuine metal finishes on one piece rather than a printed or painted imitation of one.

What it achieves: a central device can sit in gold against a silver field, lettering can separate from the background without using enamel, and a crest can be lifted out of a busy surround. On a coin with little or no colour, dual plating is often what gives the design its structure.

Where it works best:

  • Designs with a clear focal element, such as a crest, an eagle or a central emblem
  • Monochrome coins, where the two tones do the work colour would otherwise do
  • Presentation pieces, where the extra depth justifies the cost

 

Dual plating costs more than a single finish, because it adds masking and a second plating run. On a busy, highly coloured design the effect can be lost, so it earns its cost on simpler coins rather than complex ones.

See plating and finish options, browse finished coins in the gallery, or request a free quote.