Numismatics During the Renaissance Period
Category: History of Numismatics
(14th century CE - 17th century CE)
The Renaissance period marked a crucial phase in the history of numismatics. It witnessed a revival of interest in ancient coins, and the development of more sophisticated coin production methods.
As the Renaissance breathed new life into societies, numismatics also found itself at the crossroads of different historical forces that help shaped the essence of coinage.
By delving into these events, we develop a better understanding of how numismatics mirrored the period's cultural and intellectual upheavals. Furthermore, we also gain important insights on how the Renaissance movement steered the course of coinage for generations to come.
The Influence of the Old Masters
The Renaissance was a time of great artistic innovation and the revival of classical ideas. These influences would extend to various mediums, including coin design.
This period saw the rise of medals as a form of art, and often to commemorate significant events or individuals. The techniques and artistic styles developed for medals spilled over into coin design, leading to more elaborate and aesthetically pleasing coins.
The attention to detail and realistic portraiture of the great artists would influence a new level of accuracy and lifelikeness, and each coin became miniature works of art that reflected the artistic influence of the Old Masters.
Refinement in Numismatic Study
Another important development within this period is the structured and systematic study of coins. Numismatists developed a more standardized way of categorizing coins, such as by denomination, motif, and other characteristic features.
Numismatic texts were also published that provided detailed descriptions of different coins. Two such books were Andrea Fulvio’s “Illustrium imagines” in 1517, and Gian Francesco Bracciolini’s “De Varia Nummorum Vetustorum Iconographia” in 1527.
Technological Advancements During the Renaissance Period
The significance of the Renaissance period isn't limited to the arts alone. This period also witnessed a surge in technological innovations that laid the foundation for future advancements in coin production and design.
Milled Coinage
Milled coinage, also known as coin pressing, marked a significant shift from the traditional hammering technique for producing coins. Rather than being hammered by hand, which was how coins were produced since the ancient times, mechanized coin presses were used.
It was a revolutionary change that ensured coins had consistent weight, design, and quality across the entire production run.
Other advantages of milled coinage:
- Sharper details: Milled coins had finer and more intricate design elements due to the precision of using a coin press.
- Efficiency: The mechanized process of milled coinage improved production speed and consistency compared to manual hammering.
- Anti-Counterfeiting: The intricacy and precision of milled edges made it difficult for counterfeiters to produce convincing fake coins.
Isaac Newton and Milled Edges
As a mathematician and physicist, Isaac Newton made groundbreaking contributions to different fields of study, including numismatics. During his time as Master of the Mint in England, he recognized the problem of hammered coinage and advocated for the adoption of the milled edge technique.
The milled edges is a characteristic feature of using the milled coinage technique discussed in the previous section. Newton’s proposal faced resistance and experienced delays in the beginning, especially from traditionalists. However, the practice of producing milled edges eventually gained traction and helped prevent counterfeiting while improving the aesthetic appeal of coins.