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 lost wax process provides a remarkably detailed representation, and this is most evident in this unpolished form.
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 which shows the most detail, and the thinner core permitted by these materials keeps cost down.
- 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.