Coin dies are specialized tools used in the minting process to create coins. They are made from hard materials, often steel, and are engraved with the design that will appear on the coin. When a blank metal disc, known as a planchet, is struck between two dies, the design is imprinted onto the coin. The process of creating coin dies involves precision engineering to ensure that the designs are sharp and clear. Each die can produce thousands of coins before it wears out, making them essential for mass production in facilities like the U.S. Mint or other national mints around the world.