DepthMap Engraved Brass Coins

DepthMap engraving uses grayscale depth information from a photograph or artwork to control the laser intensity across the coin surface. Where an image has darker tones — deep shadows, hair, fur texture, deep creases — the laser removes more material, creating physical depth. Where the image is lighter — highlights, open sky, bright surfaces — less material is removed. The result is a continuous-tone, three-dimensional engraving that reads as photorealistic.

This is different from Vector engraving, which burns clean lines into the brass. DepthMap engraving produces variation across the entire surface, giving portraits and complex images a painted or sculpted quality rather than a flat line-art look.

After laser engraving, DepthMap coins are hand-finished with an aged patina. The patina settles into the deepest engraved areas, darkening the shadows and enhancing contrast. This finishing step is what gives DepthMap coins their distinctive gallery quality — the image appears to have depth and dimension that standard engraving cannot achieve.

DepthMap engraving works best with high-resolution JPG or PNG source images. Higher resolution means finer engraving detail and cleaner tonal gradation. A minimum of 300dpi at the intended output size is recommended. Low-resolution or compressed images will produce softer results.

Good contrast in the source image is critical. A well-lit portrait with clear shadows and highlights will engrave far better than a flat, evenly lit photo. For pet portraits, clear facial detail and good separation between the subject and background produces the best results.

Evermark Mint will review your submitted images before preparing the design proof and can advise if a different crop, angle, or source image would produce a better engraving result.