Planchet

Flans

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Planchet is a term with multiple meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. In the realm of numismatics, a planchet refers to the blank piece of metal on which a coin design is stamped. The term is also used in the context of spiritualism, where a planchet is a small, usually heart-shaped, piece of wood or plastic used as a movable indicator on a Ouija board, allowing participants to spell out messages during a séance.

Numismatic Planchet

A planchet in numismatics is a blank round metal disk that is ready to be struck as a coin. The process of creating a coin involves several steps, beginning with the casting or cutting of planchets. These planchets are then heated and cleaned to prepare them for striking. The quality of a coin is significantly influenced by the condition of the planchet before it is struck. Imperfections in a planchet can lead to errors or unique characteristics in the final coin, making some of these flawed coins highly sought after by collectors.

Production

The production of planchets involves several key steps. Initially, large sheets of metal are produced to the correct thickness for the coinage in question. These sheets are then blanked, meaning that round disks are cut out from the sheet. These disks are the planchets, and they may undergo further processing to prepare them for striking, such as annealing (heating and cooling to soften the metal), washing, and sometimes edge rimming, which creates a raised rim around the edge of the planchet.

Errors

Planchet errors can occur at various stages of the coin-making process. Common planchet errors include clips, where part of the planchet is missing due to the blanking process cutting incorrectly, and laminations, where parts of the metal separate due to impurities or internal stresses. These errors can make coins highly collectible.

Spiritualism Planchet

In the context of spiritualism, a planchet, more commonly referred to in this context as a planchette, is a small, usually heart-shaped flat piece used on a Ouija board to communicate with spirits. The participants lightly touch the planchette, which then moves across the board to spell out messages. The use of planchettes in this manner dates back to the 19th century, coinciding with the rise of spiritualism as a movement.

Usage

The planchette is placed on the Ouija board, which is marked with letters, numbers, and other symbols. Participants place their fingers lightly on the planchette, which then, purportedly under the guidance of spiritual forces, moves to spell out words or phrases. Skeptics argue that the movement is due to the ideomotor effect, where individuals make motions unconsciously.

Conclusion

While the term "planchet" can refer to very different items in numismatics and spiritualism, in both contexts, it plays a crucial role in the function and outcome of its use—whether it be the creation of currency or the attempt to communicate with the spirit world.

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