Hot Tin Impression. A method of easily testing a die by impressing it in hot tin; a British term for what Americans would call a splasher. Such was the practice at the Soho Mint and hot tin impressions of their early productions still exist (example: Christ's College Porteus Medal of 1808 by J. Phillip, Brown 632-33). While splashers can be made in any soft metal, hot tin impressions were more popular in England because of the ease of obtaining tin (from the tin mines in Western England). American diesinkers of the 19th century were evenly divided in their choice between tin or lead to prove a die during some stage of manufacturer. Tin is softer than lead but somewhat more expensive. Both metals could be used over and over again. See tin.