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Objekt 8760

From Metal to Coin

Description

For the production of coins, metal ingots were first hammered into long-shaped even plates from which the minter then cut small discs (blanks or flans), trimming them to the correct weight before getting ready for striking. The blanks were struck between two steel coin dies or, in the case of the bracteate, between a fixed lower die (pile) and hand-held cap with malleable material.

From the mid-16th century onward, modern procedures relying on machines such as roller mills or screw and spindle presses enabled higher outputs.

Object description

1st description

Molten silver is poured into a mould. Object: Silver ingot

2nd description

The ingot is worked into a sheet with a hammer.

Object: Silver sheet

3rd description

Through rounding off the four corners with a hammer, the blank or flan gets its typically four-tipped shape

Objects: Blanks with and without rounded-off corners

4th description

The striking was performed with a heavy hammer.

Object: Coin: HMB penny

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