Read the summary and the most important questions on Greek Coins | 9780292711846 | Ian Carradice

• 1 Coinage and the ancient Greek world

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• Why are Greek coins special?

  Because they:
  -Are the first coins, that are still used in the present in the same way
  -Are very precious
  -Are very old
  -Have great artistic quality
  -Can provide historical information

• Numismatists terms: How do you call the front (head) and the back (tail) side of a coin?

  - The front side is called the observe
  - The back side is called the reverse

• Numismatists terms: How do you call the area around the design and how do you call a distinct area at the bottom of the coin?

  - The area around the design is called the field
  - The distinct area at the bottom of the coin is called the exergue

• What is a Greek coin and why do we call it a Greek coin?

  A coin produced in ancient times that was not made by ancient Romans (Republic or Empire) is a Greek coin. It could thus be a coin made as far as in Egypt, Spain, Russia and India. Celtic coins also are included. 
  This is because all the coins produced in other countries are all derrived from Greek ones in the end. They often have comparable features. 

• 1.1 The making of Greek coins

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• How were Greek coins made?

  Greek coins were made by a proces known as striking. The metal for the coin was placed between to metal plates (flans) that could contain a design that was transferred to the coin. 

• Which term is used for a currency unit?

  A currency unit in ancient Greece was called a "drachma", which was initially a standard for a handful of six "oboloi", or metal sticks.

• What is a bullion or ignot or nugget?

  A bullion is a metal stick or lump that was used to make coins, but also served in itself as a currency.

• What was the status of the Greek die-engravers?

  In modern times and in ancient times, the products of certain ancient mints are regarded as masterpieces. Die-engravers are not present in ancient texts, but the artists where allowed to sign their own work and where, if famous, employed by more than one patron. Also, some images were reproduced on coins in different times in ancient Greece, proving their reputation.

• For whom was the coin produced in ancient Greek times and who was involved in the production proces?

  The coins where produced for the state, and the state alone.
  The people involved where at first the mint workers who prepared the metal and struck the coins, the die-engravers who prepared the dies with engravings, the magistrates (or officials) who supervised the production and were responsible for the quality and prevention of fraud and the goverment officials who made the decision to mint the coints in the first place. 

• Why were coins produced in ancient Greek times?

  - For making state payments (including military costs)
  - For receiving state income (such as taxes)
  - For facilitating change between the state and external trade
  - Usage of own coins had also the advantage of 
      1) propaganda
      2) reasons of profit
      3) informing civilians