The machine age
By the 1660s new technology to make coins by machine was widespread in Europe. Under Charles II the Mint finally adopted screw presses, which could exert greater force on the dies than the traditional hammer. The arms of the press were turned by at least two strong men, while a third placed the coin blanks between the dies and removed the finished coins – a dangerous job if you didn’t time your movements perfectly.
The new machine-struck coins were thicker and more regular than the old hammered coins. This allowed the edges of the coins to be decorated and engraved which protected them from clipping. Edge-marking machines were introduced from Paris. Mint employees swore an oath of secrecy not to reveal details of the invention to anyone.
