Cut-cardwork. Design cut or engraved in thin metal sheet (usually silver) and applied in several layers to a base medal or object of the same or contrasting composition (as in imitation of modulated relief). The effect is to show design on several levels (somewhat like a topographical map that shows varying surface elevations). The most popular use of cut-cardwork was for engraved badges – prepared by silversmiths or jewelers – as they are more often found in custom work than in production run objects. It is always fabricated handwork, prepared at a bench. Because of its layers of metal edges with perpendicular standing taper and lack of a bevel, cut-cardwork cannot be reproduced on die-cutting pantographs nor could it be ejected from a die if it could be diestruck.

This 2 bit specimen of a cut coin bears counterstamps in addition to being cut in quarters from a Spanish Piece-of-Eight for circulation in Curacao.