TECHNOLOGICKÉ ASPEKTY MINCOVNÍCTVA BRATISLAVSKÉHO KELTSKÉHO OPPIDA

The subject of the study is the method for preparing flans for Celtic Bratislava-type tetradrachms. The study of the issue is based on an evaluation of an assemblage of Late La Tène technical ceramics and an assessment of a sample of numismatic material with preserved production traces. The analysis of the technical ceramics from Bratislava leads to the conclusion that ceramic moulds were used for dosing metal – the production of ingots for the needs of coinage and jewellery production and perhaps for casting flans for small Celtic coins. Macroscopic observations of silver tetradrachms identified the presence of multiple types of defects in the shape and surface of castings (collapse, mechanical damage, protrusions, lumps, etc.). The results of the study provide a framework for a technological interpretation. Two methods for producing flans can be considered – casting in an open mould with the surface of the metal exposed (flan mould) and the lost-wax casting technique with a tree model (ceramic shell mould).