Coins and medals are among the most extensive groups of historical sources for the premodern era. The images and inscriptions on them reflect numerous aspects of economic, constitutional, artistic and cultural history. With the help of numerous illustrations and vivid examples, Sebastian Steinbach provides an introduction to the working techniques and methods of numismatics against the background of the general history of money. Another focus is on the practical application of this knowledge in various professional fields. The text is supplemented with an extensive appendix with useful tables, graphs and Internet sources as well as a glossary and a bibliography on German coinage history in the Middle Ages and the modern period. With the help of this book, coins can put history almost literally at your fingertips.

Adjunct Prof. Sebastian Steinbach teaches medieval history at the University of Osnabrück, with a research focus on economic and monetary history and auxiliary historical studies.