Steel Dragon Coin

Intricate images of a coiling dragon and a phoenix, on a lucky token or 'coin'. I was inspired by the far-Eastern tradition of dragons and fenghuang, or 'Chinese phoenix'. These mythological beasts are often drawn paired, and are considered auspicious.

The steel process provides a sturdy, decent representation at the lowest price. I was pleasantly surprised by the feel of this - it has a slightly grainy surface texture, which gives an antique feel.
The coin shape is a Reuleaux pentagon, which is a curve of constant width - a delicious intermediary between pentagon and circle.

I have created different forms of this coin, optimising for each printing process. It turns out that each style has its own special qualities. Of the three versions, this is the one I feel happy to carry in my pocket on a day-to-day basis. Alternatively, the lost wax process gives higher detail, and can be polished to a beautiful shine.

• Steel Dragon Coin : lowest cost. Sturdy, antique feel.
• Detailed Dragon Coin : (Unpolished bronze, brass or silver) highest detail, intermediate cost.
• Polished Dragon Coin : (Polished bronze, brass or silver) : Polished options are very shiny, with intermediate detail. Slightly larger diameter.