Gilding metal is a kind of brass (a copper-zinc alloy) with a very high copper content, most commonly around 95% copper and 5% zinc. It has a warm reddish-gold appearance. Despite its name, it contains no gold and should not be confused with gilding, which refers to the application of a gold layer onto a surface. It is malleable, easy to strike, and takes fine detail well. Gilding metal is used in numismatics primarily for medals and tokens, where its attractive colour and good striking properties are valued.
