Die studies

Question 1

What are the three main types of information that can be discerned from die studies?

Answer 1

chronology
quantification
mint attribution

Question 2

What is the fundamental method in a die study?

Answer 2

comparison of surviving coins to determine which were made from the same dies

Question 3

What fact about the process of coin production does the concept of a die study rely on?

Answer 3

it was a handmade process meaning slight differences would arise between different dies, even if same image

Question 4

What are the variables in coin characteristics depended on by die studies?

Answer 4

composition of alloys depending on source
weights
wear and recutting
different obverse and reverse combinations

Question 6

For what info were die studies initially used for?

Answer 6

mint attribution

Question 7

Around how many coins is one die thought to have struck in its term of use?

Answer 7

c20,000-30,000

Question 8

What are the problems w quantification?

Answer 8

numbers are most often produced merely from comparison with what we have and experimental archaeological approaches
wide margins of error

Question 9

What is value in die studies for quanitification?

Answer 9

original die numbers is the best tool we have to calculate the magnitude of a series

Question 10

What can quantification contribute to?

Answer 10

understanding of FINANCES (state payments) because of need-based coin minting practices in antiquity
understanding of ECONOMICS as informs modelling data

Question 11

Which die is studied in die studies? Why?

Answer 11

reverse (hand-held one)
this was the one more likely to break and be replaced/changed in config more often

Question 12

Comparison of use between hoards and die studies for quantification?

Answer 12

hoards can give an idea of relative size, die studies provide the only significant approach to absolutes

Question 13

What is main limitation of die studies?

Answer 13

time and labour due to the close work that needs to be done in the comparisons PLUS best attested coinages are massive so more comparisons to be done

Question 14

When are die studies most often done?

Answer 14

when a scholar feels the NEED for a mint attribution

Question 15

Causes of distortions from original die image?

Answer 15

striking (angle and force of strike)
double striking (e.g. ghost effect)
damage of die itself (crack that looks like config) - can help w chronology
overstriking
wear and damage (holed, cut, countermarks, corrosion, mundane coin wear)
picture taken and being used by scholar

Question 16

What is impact on coin type from mundane coin wear?

Answer 16

detraction from relief