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The Coin Press: a Small Piece of History

The history of the coin press was really the history of the Industrial Revolution. It was the mechanical advances made during this period that changed coining from manual labor to an industrial process, and the social conflict that accompanied those advances can be seen in the history of coining machines. Before the Industrial Revolution, making coins was done with a hammer and anvil, using a die to provide the design. Each coin was laboriously struck by a blow of the hammer, and this single activity provided employment for a large number of stalwart men, called moneyers.

Manually-operated screw presses were invented in the 16th century but met with immediate resistance. In modern terms, the moneyers were a very powerful lobbying group. Max Shwab, a German inventor, made a screw coin press in 1550, but when he tried to sell it to Germany and Italy, both refused. France and England bought his machine, but in both cases the moneyers prevented them from being used for some years. In France, the screw coin press was finally put into use in 1641, while the English machine was not used until 1652. That same year, the US used its first screw press. Similar antagonism accompanied the introduction of steam-powered presses some decades later.

Today coin presses are used for making all coins and medallions, whether they are legal coinage or just hobby items. Parks, zoos and other facilities can make souvenirs for their guests, and individuals can make birthday greetings and other event commemorations. For those who want to learn more about this interesting hobby, The Penny Machine Company is a great source of information and products. They carry an assortment of coin and medallion presses in several styles, and their site is a great place for coiners to find equipment and info on the hobby.