Do you have any images of the punches used? I'll guess they used some type of jig to hold the punch or was it up to a steady hand to get it right. Was there an arrow or something on the punch so the worker would have it in the proper direction? Tell us what you know.
Larry To my knowledge, there are no known punches available. That said, I do know that there were several different punched used, and, no, as I understand, there was no 'guide' on the punches for up/down. Interesting questions.
I know there were different size punches appropriate for different size coins. For example they usually didn't use punches for Morgan dollars on dimes. But I also think that's why some coins have varieties with different size mm's on them.
I just finished searching Roger Burdette's book, From Mine To Mint. It came with a CD that was searchable. It looks like they did use jigs with some early coins to place stars, lettering and mintmarks. The punch shank had a shape that matched the jig. Not much information on more modern methods. The mint does a good job of hiding information like this.
The counterfeiters are good enough already without sharing specific production procedures to get them closer.
Yes, even artifacts at the Smithsonian, if put on display, could be used by counterfeiters. Sad, but true, that part of our history has by necessity been taken from us. Steve
