What does mintage mean?
Mintage is the making of coins and, by extension, the coins produced through that process. In its process sense, the word refers especially to the striking of metal blanks between engraved dies, a method used to produce coins with raised designs and inscriptions. In its collective sense, mintage can mean the coins issued by a particular government, ruler, mint, or historical period, such as the mintage of a Roman emperor. The word is useful in history, numismatics, economics, and the study of political authority because coin production reveals the materials, technology, symbols, and institutions of the society that created the coins. It is more technical than the everyday word coinage, but it can also be used broadly when discussing currency and minting operations.
nounThe process of making coins, especially by striking metal blanks between engraved dies. The term can also refer collectively to the coins produced by a particular mint or authority.
- The process or act of making coins, especially by striking metal blanks between engraved dies.
- Coins collectively, especially the coins issued by a particular mint, government, or period.
"The museum's collection documents changes in mintage techniques from the ancient world to the modern era."
"The introduction of a new alloy transformed the mintage of the empire's silver coins."
"The archive contains photographs of the mintage equipment used at the national mint."
Usually used as an uncountable noun. The plural mintages is rare and may refer to separate coin issues or instances of coin production.
"The scholars compared the mintages of several neighboring kingdoms."
A coin's mintage can reveal much more than its value: the metal, the ruler's portrait, the mint, and the date can all turn a small piece of metal into a historical record.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mintage come from?
Mintage entered English through Old French mintage, a word associated with minting and deriving from the Latin root moneta, meaning “money” or “mint.” The modern form developed alongside the established English noun mint, with which it shares its origin. The connection is reflected in related forms such as minter and monetary.
How mintage is actually used
In specialized historical and numismatic writing, mintage often refers to the particular coins issued by a ruler or government, as in the mintage of an ancient king. In general discussion, it more commonly denotes the process of producing coins.
Easily confused with mintage
Mintage refers to the production of coins, whereas vintage refers to the age or period in which something was produced, especially wine.