| Diameter | 34 mm |
|---|---|
| Metal | COMMON METAL |
| Weight | 15.8 g |
Each
mini-medal in this collection features an emblematic element of the Tour (one
of the four jerseys, the public or the vehicle) associated with a legendary
stage. The seventh mini-medal features the common reverse of the collector
coins, representing the graphic elements of the Tour.
The
reverse, common to all the mini-medal, features the Monnaie de Paris logo. The
yeardate is inscribed at the bottom.
These
mini-medals can be collected in a seven-cavity album.
The medal minter transforms a blank into a medal, alternating between striking to bring out the relief and annealing to return the metal to a more malleable state. The blank is struck as many times as necessary, depending on the diameter, depth and detail of the engraving. Finally, surface treatments are applied to enhance the finished piece
Trained at the best schools, they have the years of experience behind them necessary to master all aspects of the craft. Using industrial oil-based modelling clay and working from a design executed freehand or with CAD software, they skilfully fashion a low relief model in order to enhance the engraving and the way it catches the light. They work alternately with concave and convex plaster moulds until satisfied they have achieved the best 3D rendering of the design.
