Why do Roman coins look so much better than later hammered coinage?

Both Roman and Medieval coins were hammered, and yet the difference in quality, design and artistic merit is like chalk and cheese….so why?

Roman coins often appear more refined and aesthetically pleasing compared to medieval coins for several reasons:

Artistic Development 

Roman coinage evolved over several centuries, benefiting from advancements in artistic techniques and engraving. As a result, Roman coins often feature intricate designs, elaborate inscriptions, and detailed portraits of rulers, gods, and symbols of power. Medieval coinage, on the other hand, often lacked the same level of artistic refinement due to a variety of factors including economic instability, social unrest, and the decline of centralised authority.

Technology and Expertise

Roman coin makers had access to more advanced tools and techniques compared to medieval counterparts. Roman mints were equipped with sophisticated machinery for minting coins, and skilled craftsmen were employed to produce high-quality dies used for striking coins. In contrast, medieval coin production was often more rudimentary, with coins being struck by hand using simple tools, resulting in less consistent quality and detail.

Materials Used

Roman coins were typically made of precious metals such as gold, silver, and bronze, which allowed for finer details and sharper strikes. In contrast, medieval coins were often made of base metals like copper or debased silver due to economic constraints, resulting in coins that were softer and more prone to wear and deformation.

Cultural and Ideological Differences

The design and production of coins were influenced by the cultural and ideological values of the respective eras. Roman coinage often served as a powerful tool for propagating imperial propaganda and promoting the authority of the state, leading to a greater emphasis on artistic expression and symbolism. In contrast, medieval coinage was more utilitarian in nature, primarily serving as a medium of exchange rather than a means of political or ideological expression.

Overall, while both Roman and medieval coins were hammered, the superior artistic quality, technological sophistication, and cultural significance of Roman coinage contributed to their overall aesthetic superiority compared to medieval counterparts.