Methodology

 

My objectives were to create coins using two ancient Roman methods—hot striking and cold striking—and then to compare the efficiencies of the different methods using different silver contents.  In other words, I compared the efficiencies of

1)      Hot striking silver coins and cold striking silver coins

2)      Hot striking debased silver coins and cold striking debased silver coins

Efficiency was determined by the time it took to strike 30 coins from each category (cold striking silver coins, hot striking silver coins, cold striking debased silver coins, hot striking debased silver coins) and then assessing how many were acceptable.  I did the cold striking for the silver and debased silver coins first.  Then I did the hot striking for the silver and debased silver coins.   For hot striking, I put the coin blanks in a furnace at the temperature of 600 degrees Celsius. 

            After striking 30 coins of a certain type, I recorded the total time it took by means of a watch.  Before I conducted the experiment, I practiced minting the coins to get a feel for how many strikes were required for each method and also practical aspects.  Table 2 is a step-by-step explanation of the actual striking of the coins.  Also, please refer to the diagrams on Plates 8-11.

 

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Table 2: Methodology.

Non-debased Silver coins

(Cold Striking)

Non-debased Silver coins

(Hot Striking)

Debased Silver Coins

(Cold Striking)

Debased Silver Coins

(Hot striking)

1) Gather necessary supplies: Upper and Lower dies, Anvil, Hammer, coin blanks.

 

2) Set up the work area as shown in the diagram for cold striking.

 

3) (Start recording time here) Take a coin blank from a receptacle that contains the coin blanks.

 

4) Put the coin blank on top of the lower die as shown in the diagram.


6) Take the upper die and put it on top of the coin blank with your left hand FIRMLY.

 

7) Strike the top of the upper die with the hammer in your right hand until a clear impression can be made.

1) Gather necessary supplies: Upper and Lower dies (new set), Anvil, Hammer, Tongs, coin blanks, furnace.

 

2) Set up work area as shown in the diagram for hot striking.

 

3) Put a batch of coin blanks (about 50 to account for striking non-acceptable coins) into the furnace for heating.

 

4) Wait until coins are cherry-red hot.  Turn down the temperature in the furnace to assure an even temperature for all coin blanks.

5) (Start recording time here) Take out one hot coin blank with tongs in both hands and place the coin bank on top of the lower die. Put tongs down.

6) Place the upper die on the coin blank firmly with left hand.

7) Strike the upper end of the upper die with hammer in right hand a few times until a clear impression could be made.

Same as cold-striking non-debased silver coins.

Same as hot-striking non-debased silver coins.

 

Figures 14-17 (Plates 8-11): Methodology diagrams.