[Jewelry making - Article 00535] - [Orchid] Ancient coin technology

[tjbuggey]

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    Greetings, This post may be off topic somewhat, but I thought this
    would be the place to get some learned opinions on a question I have
    on the technology necessary to produce ancient coins. This is a
    mystery that scholars have not been able to answer. By 450 BC the
    Greeks had adapted their classical sculpture for use on coins. The
    coins were standardized in weight and fractionals began to be
    produced. Many of these small silver fractionals were under 9 mm and
    some were 5 mm (you could not afford to have holes in your pockets).
    A couple examples of the artistry can be found here:
    http://www.people.memphis.edu/~tjbuggey/kyzikusboars.jpg My main
    question to those experienced in engraving is: 

    1) Could 8 mm dies with beautiful, realistic images be done today
    completely by hand and without magnification? 

    No one is sure how the dies were rendered nor what types of tool
    were used. I imagine a micro chisel would be needed. 

    Thanks for any help you might offer in solving this ancient mystery. 

Dr. Tom Buggey
The University of Memphis

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