MINTING AND MINT MASTERS
Introduction
Minting metal was a lengthy and labour-intensive procedure. In large mints such as Kutná Hora, Jáchymov and Praha up to two hundred people were involved. Even in smaller mints, for example in Přísečnice, Český Krumlov or Horní Slavkov, dozens of specialists were employed. Initially, production was entirely manual, organised on a manufactory basis. The first mechanically equipped mint was that in Prague (from 1622).
Overall supervision of all Bohemian mints was exercised from the mid-fifteenth century by the Supreme Mint Master. Each individual mint was overseen by a mint master (monetarius), who in turn was checked by the assayer (warden). Administrative matters were handled by the mining clerk and his deputy (provisor), while the steward managed the building and supplies.
The Minting Process
Coins were struck from a precious metal alloy mixed with copper and from melted-down silver objects such as old coins, jewellery and tableware. This reclaimed metal was known as “pagement.” It was purchased for the mint by a money-changer (campsor). After silver, copper and pagement were alloyed, the assayer verified the quality according to the intended denomination.
The alloy was then cast into bars in the casting room. In the forge these bars were hammered into thin sheets corresponding to the thickness of the coins. The sheets were cut into squares and then trimmed into round blanks known as planchets. These were whitened in a solution of salt and tartar. Throughout the process, the silver was repeatedly weighed to prevent theft. Waste pieces were returned to the beginning of production.
In the striking house the actual minting took place. The striker placed the planchet between dies mounted on an oak block and struck it with a hammer. He had to return exactly as many finished coins as blanks received. The mint master inspected the quality, dimensions, weight and thickness, and his mark signified approval. Faulty coins were melted down.
The dies were produced by the die cutter and could last up to ten thousand strikes before being officially cancelled. Until mechanisation was introduced, the only significant improvement was the use of punches instead of laborious cutting.
Because of the value of the material handled, mint workers were paid above-average wages to reduce the temptation of theft. In Jáchymov, between 1520 and 1561, approximately 11,000,000 thalers were struck, in addition to Prague groschen and fractional or multiple denominations (double thaler, quarter thaler, half thaler). The mint also produced medallions, commemorative medals and plaques.
Mint Masters in Jáchymov
Under the Schlik family:
Gebhart Oldřich
Weizelmann Hanuš
Sturz Wolf
Mergenthal Kašpar
Under Ferdinand I.:
Puellacher Rupert
Geitzköfler Jiří
Under Maxmilián II.:
Geitzköfler Jiří
Gipfel Hanuš
Other mint masters:
Vogelheimer Oldřich, Kempf Martin, Roll Wolfgang, Achelburg Oldřich, Krause Klaus, Tunkler Petr, Macasius Jan Jakub, Seeling Pavel Václav, Küttner Jan Jakub, Freistein Jan, Knobloch David, Kádner Jiří, Kádnerová Lucie (!), Hofmann Pavel, Taubenreuter Kryštof and Langefelder Centurio.
