Hands on history

By Jack Davis

My name is Jack, and I was privileged enough to spend a week's work experience at the Royal Mint Museum. This was my first experience with history in the real world and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I was there from Monday to Thursday in late August. Over those four days, I learned new skills which applied my pre-existing historical knowledge and increased it to higher levels. On the first day, I was quite nervous. However, after meeting the Museum team, I felt comfortable. I could not ask for a warmer welcome!

Jack Davis during work experience.jpg

I met with Sarah who introduced me to the team before I was shown around the Museum and the Royal Mint Experience (RME) by Abigail. By being given a more in-depth view of the complicated nature of the exhibition in the RME, I have gained a greater appreciation of the time and effort put into bringing history to life.

Later I took part in documenting a few of the 100,000 coins and 70,000 dies by Susie and Sarah. I was blown away by the sheer number of elements in the Museum collection. There was also a personal talk with Chris who told me about the 1100-year-old history of coins and the Royal Mint. I was able to document these coins by looking at specific dates to write down. I had to wear these finger gloves, so I looked like a fool, but I loved it!

I have to say, one of my favourite things I did during the week was investigating and researching a father and son who worked at the Mint. My job was to see how long each of them worked and it was amazing having to go through about five of these old ledgers to find the dates! It made me feel like a real historian.

During my first day, I was able to take part in one of the tours around the RME. Our tour guide was called Matt and he was amazing, really engaged with the group! By the time we went to the area where the coins were produced, I did not expect the level of detail that was used for each country's currency.

Over the next couple of days, I was given more insight into how the Royal Mint Museum helps other communities. By spending time with Megan and Amy, I learned how the Museum gives talks to schools and how they celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee. Another way in which I took part in helping was when I was present for a recording of short films around the site for schools with Susie. It was great fun, I even got to hold some overseas coins in my hand when they were hot off the press!

Overall, I loved my week in the Royal Mint Museum. Everyone I met was so helpful and kind and it felt as if there was a real community there.

Thank you, the Royal Mint Museum. I will never look at coins the same way again!