striking

打刻　—　Making

Making coins by driving a metal die with a hammer.

Karshapana (punch-marked silver coin)400–300 BC Gold daricc. BC 510–330 Gorgoneion TetradrachmCirca 510–507 BC

The world from the Mediterranean westwards chose this method. A round metal blank is placed between an upper and lower die and then struck from above. This allowed for detailed images, making it possible to engrave a king's profile.

To cast or to strike. This choice has long defined the difference in appearance between Eastern and Western coinage.