FAQ
Metals, editions, numbering, shipping, returns and payment, answered plainly.
What exactly is a collector medallion?
A struck metal piece made to be kept rather than spent. Ours are the size and weight of a heavy coin, struck in deep relief from engraved steel dies, finished by hand, numbered on the edge and sold in small editions. They have no face value and are not legal tender anywhere.
Are they real silver and bronze?
The Compass Rose is solid bronze all the way through. The Moon Tide and The Astrolabe have a solid bronze core with a heavy layer of sterling or fine silver on top, and the rete of The Astrolabe is gold plated. We say exactly which metal is where on every product page and we do not use zinc or pewter.
How big is the edition?
750 for The Compass Rose, 500 for The Moon Tide, 250 for The Astrolabe. Each piece is numbered on the edge and the product page shows how many are left. When an edition is gone the dies are retired and the piece is not struck again.
Can I choose my number?
No. Numbers are assigned in the order that orders are packed. If you order two, they will be consecutive whenever the run allows it.
Is the certificate signed?
The Compass Rose comes with a numbered card. The Moon Tide comes with a numbered certificate. The Astrolabe comes with a certificate that is numbered and signed by the person who assembled it.
Does the rete on The Astrolabe really turn?
Yes. It sits on a central pin and rotates over the disc. It is meant to be turned, gently, with a fingertip. It is not meant to be pulled off.
Will the finish change over time?
Bronze with an antique patina keeps darkening a little in the recesses and brightening on the high points as it is handled. That is the point of it. Silver can tarnish if it sits in the open for a long time; the polishing cloth in the box brings the mirror back in a minute. The Care page has the details.
Can you engrave a name or a date?
No. Every piece ships as shown. Any local jeweller can engrave the plain reverse or the inside of the box lid for you.
Do you make custom pieces or bulk orders?
Not custom pieces. For a bulk order of an existing piece, up to 5 go through the site in one order; for more, email coton640@gmail.com with the piece and the quantity and we tell you what the edition can still supply.
What currency are the prices in?
US dollars. You are charged in US dollars, exactly the amount shown in the cart. If your card is in another currency, your bank converts at its own rate and may add a foreign transaction fee; we have no control over that and we do not add anything on our side.
What payment methods do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover, plus Apple Pay and Google Pay where your device supports them. Payment happens on our secure checkout page, checkout.lodestar-mint.com, operated by our payment provider Slash. Card details never touch our servers.
How much is shipping?
Nothing. Shipping is free and tracked on every order, to every country we deliver to. See the Shipping page for delivery times.
Can I return a piece?
Yes, within 30 days of delivery, in the condition it arrived with its packaging and certificate, for a full refund. Defects are replaced without a return.
Who is behind Lodestar Mint?
Lodestar Mint is a trade name of KERCOT SCALE LLC, a company registered in Wyoming, United States. Full details are on the Company Information page.
Last updated September 25, 2026. Lodestar Mint is a trade name of KERCOT SCALE LLC.