What is the die axis of a Roman coin?

A coin with an axis between 340 and 20 degrees is likely to be described as having a 0 degree die axis, and a coin with a die axis between 160 and 20 0 is likely to be described as having a die axis of 180 degrees. Most Roman coin types have a consistent die axis of either 0 or 180 degrees.

How were struck coins made?

Struck coins were individually hammered between dies that were carved or engraved by hand. A few hundred ancient coins dies have survived. Most of these are counterfeiter’s dies, since official dies were carefully controlled and melted down or defaced when no longer serviceable.

Are ancient coin dies worth a lot?

Most known ancient coin dies are in museum collections (though rarely on display), but some occasionally appear in major auctions, where they command high prices. A unique Byzantine iron die for the reverse of a follis of Justin I brought $15,000 in a recent sale. The cataloguer wrote: