The Making of Hammered Coins: A Glimpse into Historical Coinage
Hammered coins are some of the oldest forms of currency, spanning centuries and civilisations. These coins were produced using a relatively simple yet labour-intensive process that gave each coin a unique appearance. The hammering method, widely used across Europe and other parts of the world from ancient times until the 17th century, has left us with beautiful, irregular coins that reflect the craftsmanship of early coin-makers.
In this blog, we will explore how hammered coins were produced, the tools involved, and the challenges of this fascinating coin-making technique.
The Process of Making Hammered Coins
The production of hammered coins involved several manual steps, each requiring skill and precision. The process can be summarised in the following stages:
- Preparation of the Metal
Coins were usually made from precious metals such as silver, gold, or copper alloys. The metal would be melted down and poured into a mould to create a planchet or blank – a small disc of metal roughly the size and shape of the final coin. - Creating the Dies
The coin’s design, including its images and inscriptions, had to be engraved onto two metal dies. One die would have the obverse (front) design, often depicting a ruler or deity, while the other held the reverse (back) design, which might include a heraldic symbol, religious iconography, or other significant markings. The dies were intricately carved by skilled engravers using steel tools. Since each die was handmade, they were unique, and any mistake could affect the entire batch of coins produced from them. - Placing the Blank and Striking the Coin
The next step involved placing the blank (planchet) between the two dies. The lower die was usually fixed on a sturdy surface, while the upper die was held in place by the coin-maker or assistant. Using a hammer, the coin-maker would deliver a sharp blow to the upper die, striking the blank and impressing both sides of the coin simultaneously. The pressure from the hammer transferred the design from the dies to the coin, giving it its final appearance. This process required considerable strength and accuracy. A weak blow would leave the coin with a faint or incomplete design, while an overly strong strike could deform the coin or damage the dies. - Final Touches
After striking, the coins might need to be trimmed if they were too large or misshapen. This was often done by hand with a file. Additionally, some coins were inspected and weighed to ensure they met the standards for the currency.
Challenges and Irregularities in Hammered Coin Production
One of the defining characteristics of hammered coins is their irregularity. Unlike modern coins, which are produced with machines and precision tools, hammered coins were prone to human error.
- Irregular Shapes: Since the blanks were often uneven and the dies were not always aligned perfectly, the coins could end up misshapen or off-centre. No two hammered coins were identical, and some featured “double strikes” where the hammer had been applied twice by accident, creating a ghostly double image on the coin.
- Variations in Weight: Since coins were produced by hand, it was difficult to ensure that each coin was exactly the same weight. This led to slight variations, and in some cases, people would shave small amounts of metal from the edges of coins, a practice known as coin clipping, which was illegal but widespread in medieval times.
- Wear and Tear on the Dies: The dies themselves would wear out after repeated use, leading to coins that appeared blurry or less detailed as the engravings became worn. Skilled coin-makers had to constantly create new dies to ensure a high-quality finish.
The Decline of Hammered Coinage
The hammered coin method remained dominant for centuries but began to decline in the 16th and 17th centuries as new technologies emerged. The introduction of machine-struck coins, using screw presses and later steam-powered presses, allowed for more uniform and precise coin production.
These new methods produced coins that were not only more consistent in size and weight but also more difficult to counterfeit or clip. By the 18th century, most countries had phased out hammered coins in favour of machine-struck currency, though hammered coinage is still highly prized by collectors and historians for its beauty and craftsmanship.
Conclusion
The production of hammered coins was a labour-intensive process that required great skill and attention to detail. Each coin, with its unique imperfections and marks, tells a story of the historical period in which it was made. Though hammered coins are no longer in circulation, they remain a valuable part of numismatic history, offering a tangible link to the economic and artistic practices of our ancestors.
If you ever come across a hammered coin, take a moment to appreciate the effort and craftsmanship that went into producing such a fascinating piece of history.
References:
- Historical studies on coin-making techniques
- Insights from numismatic experts
- Collections of medieval and early modern hammered coins
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