The process to create Die Struck begins with the creation of a custom die of your design. Then a sheet of copper, brass, or iron is stamped using the die, which creates a deep impression of your design in the metal. Cut-to-shape molds are made separately and used to stamp out the pin design impressions in the outline of the finished design. Plating the pins comes next. For this type of pin, the most common platings are high polished gold, nickel (silver), black nickel, and copper.