A team of researchers from the University of Jaén identified the first known stone mold for making coins in all of Hispania at the ancient settlement of Obulco, known today as Porcuna, Jaén,.
The object found is one half of a bivalve mold, used to produce unstruck metal discs (known as cospeles) that would later be hammered into coins. The mold measured 11 cm in height, 13.7 cm in length, and 5.4 cm in width. Its flat surface revealed circular casting marks created by the pouring of molten metal, indicating its role in the ancient coin-making process, according to Arkeo News.
The mold holds particular historical significance as it provides detailed insights into the technical…