Roman Silver Tetradrachm issued by Emperor Nero was hand struck by placing a cast bronze disc (planchet) between two metal dies engraved with the obverse and reverse designs. The dies were then hit with a sledgehammer. Differences and cracks in the dies, variations in how the planchet was placed, how well and how many times it was struck mean that every Roman coin is absolutely unique. Moreover, these were coins used for everyday commerce; handled and worn by a myriad Roman and Egyptian hands it is a very special reminder of that ancient and enthralling world.
