This is the reverse of the die that I found at an antiques fair last summer, I brought it for $25 canadian from a stall with just odds & ends.

A side shot

The face of the die

Finally what the medal would look like when struck


I finally got round to researching this die and discovered it was Earl Minto's Coat-of-Arms. He was Governor-General of Canada 1898 to 1904 and as this die was made in Ottawa I assume it was for his official medal, but I could be wrong on that. At least I rescued it from obscurity, if anyone has any info on the die I would be pleased to hear it. The die is 47mm X 9mm and 146 grams. The spindle has a hole for attaching to the minting machine which is not visible in these pictures
Click to view attachment This is the picture which help me identify the medal. Non eget arcu= He does not need a bow Suaviter et fortiter= Mildly and firmly are Minto Family Mottoes

Is it a die or the base of a stamp for impressing sealing wax? Either way, a neat item.

Hi Bill nice to hear from you, I think most people must be out enjoying spring rather than messing with their computers and coin forums.

The size 47mm X 9mm and heavy construction seem to suggest a die, if it were a wax-seal I would have thought it would be less robust, but I could be wrong.

As you say, a "neat item" either way. I might be offering this at the Canadian Numismatic auction in Ottawa in July, as they seem very interested in it. So by then I should have the full story on what it actually is.

It could be part of the seal used to emboss official government documents? If so, that would probably generate a great deal of interest from collectors.

Wow that would be neat, perhaps I can pass a couple of bills and stamp them with a wax-seal! Any suggestions?