The project will use experimental archaeology to assess how the depth of engraving and metallurgy of bronze coin dies impacts coin portraits on bronze blanks. It will shed light on the processes and decisions made by those casting and engraving a die. It addresses the significant disparity in portrait styles in Roman provincial coinage for which there is no good explanation. By choosing to focus on the die rather than the often-studied coins, a deeper understanding of the struck image can be gained.
Francesca Lam-March
09 June 2025
Students practice coin striking at Roman workshop
Classics students had the opportunity to make replica Roman coins as part of the Phosphor Bronze Coin Die Experiment.
PhD student Francesca Lam-March invited students to take part in the coin striking workshop as part of her project to emulate how coins were made during the Roman period.
Francesca describes the project aims:
After a lecture on ancient minting, the students used 2kg hammers to strike the dies using the ancient technique of inserting the dies into a tree stump. The experimental archaeology project yielded real results on how the depth of the die engravings impact the portraits of the emperor, showing that ancient bronze coin dies were likely struck hot rather than cold and that the deeper the die does not necessarily mean a better imprint of the portraits.
King's Department of Engineering provided space in the Wheatstone Lab for the experiment and the project was funded by the King’s College London Arts and Humanities Faculty Small Research Grant in conjunction with the ERC funded Roman Emperor as Seen From the Provinces Project.
Thank you for allowing me to take part in this research. Not only I have got a much needed first-hand experience in Archaeologic research, but also made new friends through the day we spent in the laboratory. I'm grateful.
Participant
I really enjoyed the whole experience. The information provided at the start was very interesting and laid out clearly why the experiment was taking place. The coin striking process itself was very well organised and lots of fun. The atmosphere are great and I believe everyone had a good time.
Participant
I feel that I improved over the course of the workshop as I was more confident with striking the coins. I was more accurate, and was able to strike with more force.
Participant
Francesca also continued the project at Butser Ancient Farm.
