Obligatory course II: Selected Problems of the Mediterranean Archaeology - coin in Mediterranean 2800-AOCOIN

Coins are one of the basic categories of archaeological finds from Mediterranean. They are
discovered during archaeological excavations, mostly in Graeco-Roman sites, as well as a result of
amateur searches. They also form the core of the collections of many museums in Poland and
abroad. At the same time, due to the specific terminology and methods of interpreting coin finds,
numismatics is often ‘terra incognita’ for archaeologists. The aim of the course is to familiarise
students with the basics of numismatic sorce studies and how coin finds can be used in the
archaeologist's workshop. Particular emphasis will be placed on explaining the interdisciplinary
nature of the legends and images on coins and the methods of documentation and scientific
interpretation of coin finds in close connection with the archaeological context. Students will also be
introduced to the practical side of the numismatic workshop, encompassing both studio research
(methodology of museum, archive and library searches) and field research (methodology of
searching for metal objects, methods of securing and conserving numismatic objects in the field,
methods of field documentation and interpretation of coin finds). The classes will be based on the
classical literature on the subject, taking into account the latest discoveries and publications. They
will make use of numerous examples drawn from field practice in recent years. Current problems and
challenges facing contemporary numismatics will be addressed as part of the seminar. During the
course we will visit the Gallery of Ancient Art of the National Museum in Warsaw and its Cabinet of
Coins and Medals.