Scenes from the First LKNS Medieval Moneying Event
If you've been reading my series on the making of a medieval style club coin, we discussed all the background research, design selection, inscription translation, processes, technology, and costs that go into such a project. As you could easily conclude, a project like that can take a lot of effort and time before you even begin striking coins. But the result was a beautiful, truly medieval looking coin for our club. This was an incredible, rewarding way to learn about the minting process, particularly for hammered coinage. The real fun for our club was in actually getting to take part in making them!
Our moneyer came to visit us and demonstrate how these coins were made during our November 2018 meeting. Here are some pictures from that event. Since I don't always see the captions I put on pictures I upload here, I have numbered them and will list the captions here also.
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1. Our moneyer, Mr. Carson Engle (a.k.a. "Rüdiger" in SCA circles), began by explaining the life and role of a moneyer (someone hired to create coinage out of raw materials) in medieval times. He also explained the process by which coins were made.
2. Rüdiger demonstrated to the students how to strike the die set to make a coin.
3. Our moneyer explained the role of the exchequer, someone who kept a tally, or count, of all the coins made; and the use of a counting cloth, which made the job of the exchequer easier. Here our exchequer-in-training listens while the school principal observes.
4. Our moneyer provides some last-minute tips on how to get a good strike.
5. One of our members strikes a coin.
6. One of our members strikes a coin.
7. One of our members strikes a coin.
8. One of our members strikes a coin.
9. After striking a handful of coins, each member would then take them to the exchequer's table for tallying.
10. The coins would be laid out on the counting cloth, one coin to a square,
and counted.
11. The number of coins would be added to the running total by our exchequer. We
wanted to keep accurate mint records!
12. The best part was getting to keep the coins they had made!
13. After all the students had hammered coins for themselves, some of the adults got to try it too.
14. As you can see, hammered coins rarely come out perfect... but some come out really nice, like the bottom center one!
15. When the demonstration was done, our club "knighted" our moneyer with a hat with our school mascot on it, a knight!
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Many thanks again for an outstanding demonstration by our moneyer, Mr. Carson Engle! Making a medieval style coin is a valuable experience that I'd recommend for any numismatic club, but particularly for young numismatists. If you would like to have your own medieval style hammered coin designed and produced, contact Mr. Engle at twobearmint@gmail.com. [Note: Neither LKNS as a group nor any individual affiliated with LKNS is paid to promote Mr. Engle... we just think he did a great job for us!]
Comments
Big Nub Numismatics
Level 5
What fun. Wish I was there, those kids are so happy. you have done a wonderful job
Big Nub Numismatics
Level 5
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Kepi
Level 6
Thanks for showing us this wonderful day! The kids are so into it and it's so great to see no one with their head staring down into an electrically devise! They are using their imaginations and having a great time! Love those smiles! Heartwarming for sure, ; )
user_47175
Level 3
That's a really cool activity. It's very interesting to be able to strike a coin just like people a thousand years ago were doing.
Ancient Collector
Level 4
Several of the "coins" you depicted are as good or better than the typical strike found on real medieval coins. The kids did a great job and learned a lot as well. Hands-on is still one of the best teaching methods.
Longstrider
Level 6
Those photos of the kids are a treasure to see. Their concentration is fantastic. Non-electric fun. Thanks.. Well done!
CoinLady
Level 6
What a great event! Too bad every coin club can't do this. Nothing like striking yr own coin.
Mr_Norris_LKNS
Level 4
It wouldn't be hard for any coin club to do it if they wanted to. Lots of clubs commission their own coins, just not usually hammered coins. Do an internet search for "moneyers guild" and you can find people who hammer coins for a hobby. I contacted the Midrealm Moneyers Guild because they are part of a recognized living history organization, the Society for Creative Anachronism, and Midrealm is their district closest to where I live. They typically enjoy learning and teaching others about their hobby, and many do so regularly. The SCA itself doesn't sell coin making services, as they are a nonprofit org. However, many of their members will take commissions as a sideline. Considering what a club might spend on making machine-made coins, it's really within reach for most.
wdhyder
Level 4
Bravo. Great activity, great story.
"SUN"
Level 6
I think you and the club are doing great things. Good luck in the future.
Mike
Level 7
You have done a marvelous job with those kids. I'm very happy for them and proud of them. During the whole process they stayed with it. You built character in them and I bet they have a new respect for all coins. A job well done. Excellent . Good for them and you.and of course the gentleman who made them. Class act. Mike.
Mokie
Level 6
Impressive, I bet those YNs remember that day forever. Are you going to sell any of your coins or does Mr. Engle have any available? I would love to have a modern Medieval coin. (:
Mr_Norris_LKNS
Level 4
Plans are in the works, we are thinking about how to best use them as a fundraiser for our club. Mr. Engle will not be selling our coins. I will announce on my blog what we decide... stay tuned!