Ancient numismatics and collecting

Course objectives

The course aims to provide knowledge and comprehension skills that will enable the student to deal critically with the study of the ancient economy, the monetary history of the Mediterranean in Greek and Roman times, coins in their contexts and the ways in which they have come down to us through the formation of collections. As the course unfolds, the student will be provided with the tools to critically address issues of numismatic heritage management, valorization and communication in European and international contexts.

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ANNALISA POLOSA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Introduction to ancient numismatics and coin collecting; methods and tools; history of coinage in the Greek and Roman world; production techniques; recording coins; tools for protection of numismatic heritage; tools for managing and enhancing numismatic heritage
Prerequisites
no prerequisite required
Books
1 handbook to be chosen between: R. Cantilena, La moneta in Grecia e a Roma. Appunti di Numismatica antica, Bologna (Monduzzi) 2008. F. Barello, Archeologia della moneta. Produzione e utilizzo nell'antichità, Roma (Carocci) 2006).
Frequency
Lessons are available on the platform. Online seminars will be arranged with students for discussion on specific topics.
Exam mode
Assessment takes place at the end of the course through a seminar discussion on topics agreed upon with the teacher, and through a final oral exam designed to verify the student's acquisition of knowledge in the field of economic and monetary history of the ancient world.
Bibliography
Further reading related with case studies or students’ individual projects will be provided during the course. On legal tools for protecting the numismatic heritage: Sorda S. (ed.), La storia mutilata. La dispersione dei rinvenimenti monetali in Italia, Atti dell’Incontro di Studio, Roma, Istituto Italiano di Numismatica 1997, Roma 1999. Facchinetti G. – Muscolino F. – Pennestrì S. (edd.), L’eredità salvata. Realtà e prospettive a confronto per la tutela, la fruizione ed il collezionismo dei beni numismatici di interesse archeologico, Atti dell’Incontro di Studi, Milano 2013, Notiziario del Portale Numismatico dello Stato 5, 2014.
Lesson mode
Lectures and seminars
  • Lesson code10615997
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseLaw, administration and management of Cultural Heritage
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year2nd year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDL-ANT/04
  • CFU9