Die Struck Lapel Pins - A die is cut to the image of your design (repeat orders save on this step!!). Your image is stamped on the sheet of iron or copper. Copper is a softer metal and allows a sharper image at a slighly higher cost than iron. Cutting molds are made seperately, and the pins are cut out to the outline of the design shape. Plating is done next: for this type of pin the most common is gold on gold, but other metal platings such as silver and black nickel are available. The raised metal surfaces are then highly polished to a luster finish while recessed areas are left with a sandblasted look.