Overstruck is a 10-letter word with a complex spelling. It means the act of striking a coin or medal with a new die after it has already been struck. The pronunciation of overstruck is /ˌoʊ.vərˈstrʌk/. The first two syllables "OH-vuh" form a diphthong and are pronounced as a single vowel sound. The stress falls on the second syllable "vuh". The final syllable "struk" is pronounced with a short "u" sound like in "bus" and ends with a voiceless velar consonant "k".
Overstruck is a term used in numismatics to describe a particular process in the minting of coins. It refers to the act of striking a new design or inscription over an existing one on a coin. This process is typically done when there is a need to update or modify an existing coin, either to correct a mistake or to reflect a significant historical event.
When a coin is overstruck, a new die with the desired design or inscription is aligned with the existing coin and struck with a considerable force. The purpose of this technique is to ensure that the new design is impressed firmly onto the coin, often resulting in the obliteration or partial obliteration of the original design. The result is a coin that carries traces of both the original and the new design.
Overstriking is often used by mints to repurpose or recycle existing coins, saving time and resources compared to creating entirely new coins. This technique can also be observed in historical coins, offering insights into the evolution of currency and historical circumstances. Collectors and numismatists find overstruck coins particularly intriguing, as they serve as evidence of past modifications or historical events that affected the original coinage.
Overall, overstruck coins are intriguing and valuable artifacts in the field of numismatics, with their layered history and unique combination of designs.
The word "overstruck" is derived from the combination of two words: "over" and "struck".
The term "over" is a prefix that indicates excess or superfluity. It comes from the Old English "ofer", which means "above" or "beyond". Over time, "ofer" transformed into "over" in Middle English, retaining its meaning.
The word "struck" is the past participle form of the verb "strike". It originates from the Old English word "strican", which meant "to stroke", "to rub", or "to go over lightly". In this context, "struck" refers to an action of hitting or stamping forcefully.
When combined, "overstruck" refers to a specific process. It is often used in the context of numismatics, referring to the act of striking a new coin design onto an existing coin.