The history of ancient coin minting is a fascinating subject in which to immerse yourself. They not only depict history, they are part of history, with images of past leaders that bear insight into the governments, and significant events. One can learn a great deal from such coins, not just from the images imprinted on them but also from the way the coin was minted.
Ancient coins lose their appeal if they are not genuine, and ancient coins are some of the easiest to counterfeit. However many ancient coins such as the Roman coins that were minted in large numbers are not as rare as some old coins minted in the last few centuries. As a result it is often not worth the effort to counterfeit these.
The method of minting in ancient times predates the machinery used to mass produce coins in the last few centuries. Ancient coins had to be minted using a slow and methodical process of hammering them into shape. This meant that no two coins were exactly the same and the different pressures and methods used by different blacksmiths resulted in irregular coins of varying quality. The quality of the minting process in ancient times affects their value today with the more rounded, detailed and less irregular coins fetching more.
The metals that were to be used had to be soft in order to allow for precise craftsmanship to be applied to the coin's surface, such as when the face of a ruler was hammered onto the coins surface. The exact metal composition used could not be guaranteed and the weight could vary due to an irregular shape. Therefore weighing ancient coins to determine if they are counterfeit is not possible as it is with other coins.
Because mints were not available back then like they are today, records of coin numbers struck did not exist. Even if one could establish accurate records, the amount of surviving ancients coins is much more important than the amount that was originally struck. A coin's value in modern times is determined by how many of those coins are available. If a great deal were lost, then the value of the coin will be high.
As a result, the amount of surviving coins of any year in the past is small. It is important to remember that there were no collector coins in ancient times. All coins that were produced were done so with the intention of circulation. As a result, most ancient coins are uniform with their time and location, so as to keep up with their ancient circulation.
There were no banks in ancient history as well, so to protect coins, many people often hid them away or buried them. This led to the deterioration of the coins due to water damage and the soil's chemical damage. Many ancient coins are encrusted to the point of illegibility as well, which further complicates a coin's authenticity. Another sure sign of ancient coin minting is the presence of an ancient dating on the coin. Because our calendar did not exist in ancient times, the year was written by different specifications, such as in accordance to the ruler's reign and the year of that reign.
More often than not, such coins may be identified according to the date in which they are set, although it is important to keep in mind issues concerning the validity of an ancient coin. Coins that appear too well preserved or too high-quality are often counterfeits, as true ancient coins will be warped and distorted by age and the elements. It is advised to learn from experts when it comes to an ancient coin's authenticity. Personal research is another important factor when it comes to collecting ancient mint coins and with experience it will become easier to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit coins.