Mine to mint

The way of Roman coinage

Abstract

Mine to Mint. The Way of Roman Coinage

This paper examines the materials used to produce ancient Roman coinage, describes their role in the Roman currency system, and tries to reconstruct the geographical origins of the various types of metal used. Work in Roman mines is briefly described as well as the process of refining ore to bullion. Additionally, the possible routes and methods of metal shipments from mines to mints spread across the Roman Empire are discussed and the need for supply lines of resources needed for smelting large quantities of ore is mentioned.