Jim,
Die's are used and color is applied with very expensive 3D Laser Printers that the mint has purchased and continues to update. As for the SILVER STRIKE program diminishing you are wrong. We still do 2 Tournaments a year and 4 $300 plus $10 and $40 coins a year. I think your group is making a big mistake for dropping support as it is a major part of Casino Memorabilia. There are a couple of Indian casino's that are currently having designs done through the mint in anticipation of getting the new silver strike machine.