In autumn 2013, the LVR LandesMuseum Bonn commissioned me to mold a Roman gold coin with a small loop from the museum depot.
The Roman coin from the 4th century AD with the image of the East Roman Emperor's Constantine should be molded and several replicas made in silver-gold plated.
First, a silicon impression of the coin was made. Then, with the help of this mold, a synthetic resin copy of the original gold coin could be created, which in turn was cast in 925/- silver.
At the end, the replicas of the gold coin were electroplated and handed over to the LVR LandesMuseum in Bonn on time.
Interesting facts about the Roman gold coin
Roman gold coins, also known as Aurea, are among the most impressive testimonies of ancient Roman culture. They reflect not only the economic wealth of the Roman Empire, but also its political power and artistic diversity. The Aureus as a gold coin was first minted during the time of the Roman Republic, but it achieved its greatest importance in the imperial period, when it was the central gold coin of the empire. With a weight of around 7,3 grams and a high degree of purity of almost pure gold, these coins were not intended for everyday use, but were primarily used to pay the military and administration or as a valuable means of payment for larger transactions.
The obverse of Roman gold coins usually bore the portrait of the reigning emperor. These depictions not only served a financial purpose, but were also an important propaganda tool. The emperor presented himself on the coins as a ruler, deity or protector of the empire, depending on the political needs and the message he wanted to convey. Next to the portrait there was often a legend, i.e. an inscription highlighting the emperor's titles, virtues or merits. The reverse of the coins featured a variety of motifs. They often showed military successes, religious scenes, gods and goddesses or allegorical representations such as victory (Victoria), peace (Pax) or strength (Virtus). Each of these depictions had symbolic meaning and served to underpin the power and stability of the Roman Empire.
The minting of gold coins was closely linked to the availability of gold, which came from various regions of the empire, including Spain, Egypt, and Asia Minor. Roman coinage was strictly regulated, and the aurei were produced in state mints, the most important of which were in Rome, Lyon, Trier, and Antioch. The quality of the coins was high and their gold content was closely monitored, which increased confidence in the aureus as a means of payment. However, the minting of gold coins was also a sign of economic power and control, as gold was a scarce and sought-after commodity throughout the Mediterranean.
The significance of Roman gold coins went far beyond their material value. They were an important means of strengthening the cohesion of the empire, as they were recognized as currency in all provinces and thus contributed to economic unity. They also served as a medium of communication, spreading messages about the emperor and his policies, even to the most remote areas of the empire. Their artistic design makes Roman gold coins today sought-after collector's items that fascinate historians and numismatists alike.
With the demise of the Western Roman Empire In the 5th century, the aureus also disappeared. It was replaced in late antiquity by the solidus, which was introduced under Emperor Constantine and dominated the coinage system of the Byzantine Empire. But the gold coins from the heyday of the Roman Empire remain a striking testimony to the economic, cultural and political importance of this era. They tell not only of wealth and trade, but also of power, religion and the ability of the Roman Empire to preserve its values and ideals over the centuries.