NGC Ancient & Medieval Coinage 3

Question 1

Which ancient Lydian king is most credited with issuing the world's first true coinage in electrum?

Accepted Answer

Croesus

Answer

Croesus of Lydia is traditionally credited with striking the first pure gold and silver coins, though earlier electrum coins may predate his reign.

Question 2

The 'incuse' design style, where the reverse design is sunken rather than raised, was characteristic of coins from which Greek region?

Accepted Answer

Magna Graecia (southern Italy)

Answer

Early coins from Greek colonies in southern Italy, such as Sybaris and Metapontum, often featured incuse reverses that mirrored the obverse design.

Question 3

A 'cob' coin (macuquina) produced in Spanish colonial mints during the medieval/early modern period is best described as what?

Accepted Answer

A rough, irregularly shaped piece cut from a silver bar and struck

Answer

Cob coins were crude pieces cut from silver bars, weighed to specification, and crudely struck with dies—produced quickly for commerce rather than aesthetic appeal.

Question 4

What does the term 'flan' refer to in numismatic terminology?

Accepted Answer

The blank metal disk before striking

Answer

A flan (also called a planchet) is the blank piece of metal prepared for striking into a coin.

Question 5

The 'Owl' coins of Athens depicted Athena on the obverse and which creature on the reverse?

Accepted Answer

An owl

Answer

Athenian tetradrachms famously feature Athena on the obverse and her sacred owl (with olive sprig and crescent) on the reverse.

(NGC) Numismatic Guaranty Corporation Certified Professional Practice Test

(NGC) Numismatic Guaranty Corporation Certified Professional Practice Test

NGC Ancient & Medieval Coinage 3