Basic mint and goldsmith techniques



Goldsmiths and moneyers rely on the same metalworking techniques, which is why the former often went into minting and the latter also worked as goldsmiths.



In both workshops artisans relied on casting to create bronze statues or medals. For this they poured liquid metal into a delicately modelled mould. After solidifying, the object required only slight modifications.



For many products, simple casting was sufficient. The workpiece was then brought into final shape by means of drawing or hammering out and chasing.



Ornaments and inscriptions were applied with the aid of special punches. Striking with a trussel (upper die) and a pile (fixed lower die) is a technique encountered only in coining and medal making.