History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c14.s4.13

v1.c14.s4.13

12 It was also possible to cut a positive design in high relief on the lower end of a bar or punch and then to punch it on soft metal to produce a intagliated die with the negative impression. This method, known as hubbing, allowed die-cutters to have identical dies from one master punch (NC, 1922, pp. 18-22; 1963, p.221). The positive impression could also be impressed, while the bar or punch carrying it was hot, on a piece of hard wood. The latter could then possibly serve the purpose of a die (NC., 1922, p.2). It is difficult to ascertain whether the system of hubbing was known to ancient Indian mint-masters.