History of Coins
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a foundational understanding necessary to approach the history of ancient coinage, with a primary focus on the Greek and Roman worlds.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire knowledge of the major developments in the history of ancient coinage, along with its economic and social implications. Special attention will be given to the connections between numismatics and history, through the contextualization of coins in relation to the historical events of the period, as well as between numismatics and archaeology, equipping students with the tools to manage coin finds within an archaeological excavation. Consequently, students will develop the ability to interpret coins independently, analyzing their epigraphic, iconographic, and numismatic features, while also learning the methodology for accurate numismatic cataloguing.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course provides for the presentation and discussion of the following topics:
1 - Introduction to Numismatics
2 - Greek and Roman Coinage
3 - Numismatics and Archaeology
4 - Cataloguing of Coins from the University Numismatic Collection
The first part of the course (1) is intended to provide students with the terminology and fundamental principles of the discipline of numismatics, examined primarily in its relationship to economic, political, and social history. The second institutional part (2) is devoted to the presentation of the most significant aspects of the monetary history of the Greek and Roman worlds. The third part (3) focuses on the relationship between Numismatics and Archaeology, as well as on the methodologies employed in the analysis of coins within archaeological contexts. Finally (4), class sessions will be dedicated to the cataloguing of coins from the University's numismatic collection.
1 - Introduction to Numismatics
2 - Greek and Roman Coinage
3 - Numismatics and Archaeology
4 - Cataloguing of Coins from the University Numismatic Collection
The first part of the course (1) is intended to provide students with the terminology and fundamental principles of the discipline of numismatics, examined primarily in its relationship to economic, political, and social history. The second institutional part (2) is devoted to the presentation of the most significant aspects of the monetary history of the Greek and Roman worlds. The third part (3) focuses on the relationship between Numismatics and Archaeology, as well as on the methodologies employed in the analysis of coins within archaeological contexts. Finally (4), class sessions will be dedicated to the cataloguing of coins from the University's numismatic collection.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of Greek and Roman history.
Teaching methods
The course "History of Coins" is delivered through traditional lectures. Students are encouraged to participate actively in the analysis and discussion of specific case studies, thereby applying and consolidating the knowledge acquired during the initial lectures. The coin cataloguing activity will be conducted in a seminar format.
Teaching Resources
Students intending to take the examination are required to prepare their lecture notes, the materials presented in class, and the following volume:
The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Coinage, edited by W. E. Metcalf, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2012.
Although reading the entire volume is recommended, attending students will be informed during the course of the specific sections required for the exam. Non-attending students, however, are required to prepare the volume in its entirety.
The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Coinage, edited by W. E. Metcalf, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2012.
Although reading the entire volume is recommended, attending students will be informed during the course of the specific sections required for the exam. Non-attending students, however, are required to prepare the volume in its entirety.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment will consist of a written examination, in which students will be evaluated as to the knowledge and the competencies they acquired during the course and in the subsequent preparation for the exam. The grade is expressed in thirtieths (pass mark: 18/30; maximum grade: 30 with honours/30). International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
During the examination, students must demonstrate mastery of the fundamental concepts of the discipline and show that they have achieved both a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the monetary phenomenon in antiquity. Students must also demonstrate the ability to situate coinage coherently within specific economic, historical, and social contexts and manage correctly coins found during archaeological excavations.
During the examination, students must demonstrate mastery of the fundamental concepts of the discipline and show that they have achieved both a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the monetary phenomenon in antiquity. Students must also demonstrate the ability to situate coinage coherently within specific economic, historical, and social contexts and manage correctly coins found during archaeological excavations.
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