4. **How did ancient coinage systems differ between major civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese, and what were the implications of these differences on international trade?
5. **What role did ancient coins play in the reinforcement of a ruler's legitimacy and image, and can you provide examples of coins used for propaganda purposes?
What are some of the most significant discoveries of ancient coin hoards, and what have they revealed about trade, economy, and society in the ancient world?
What methods do archaeologists and numismatists use to authenticate, date, and determine the origin of ancient coins, and what challenges do they face in this process?
How did the introduction of coinage in ancient civilizations, such as Lydia and China, influence trade and economic systems compared to barter systems?
What materials were commonly used in the production of ancient coins, and how did the choice of metal affect their value and preservation over the centuries?