Why were ancient minters so bad at making round coins with the pattern in the middle?

Question

[Roman coins often look like total crap, why?](https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/1*JEAj3t9m9nAwrsFLLTMAQw.jpeg)

In: Technology

Answer 1

The goal was not to make a beautiful coin. The goal was to certify the composition of the metal by putting the Big Man’s face on it. The value was 100% in the metal and 0% in the design. Thus, perfection in the design wasn’t considered important.

Coins would commonly be melted and used to make other stuff, or cut into bits to make small change, etc. etc.