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We report the results of an analytical investigation
on 416 silver-copper coins stemming from the Ottoman
Empire (end of 16th and beginning of 17th centuries), using
synchrotron micro X-ray fluorescence analysis (SRXRF).
In the past, analyses had already been conducted with energy
dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF), scanning
electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry
(SEM/EDX) and proton induced X-ray emission spectroscopy (PIXE).With this combination of techniques it was
possible to confirm the fineness of the coinage as well as to
study the provenance of the alloy used for the coins.
For the interpretation of the data statistical analysis
(principal component analysis—PCA) has been performed.
A definite local assignment was explored and significant
clustering was obtained regarding the minor and trace elements
composing the coin alloys.
Four hundred sixteen silver coins stemming from the Ottoman Empire (16th and 17th centuries) were analyzed in order to confirm the fineness of the coinage as well as to study the provenance of the alloy used for the coins. As most of the coins showed the typical green patina on their surfaces due to corrosion processes which have led to the depletion of copper in the near-surface domains of the silver coins in comparison to their core composition, small samples by cutting splinters from the coins had to be taken, embedded in synthetic resin and cross-sectioned in order to investigate the true-heart metal composition. The type of the alloy was investigated as well as if coins minted in different locations demonstrated homogeneous traits concerning the predominant impurities which could suggest a common ore. Several X-ray based techniques (µ-XRF, µ-SRXRF and µ-PIXE) could be applied in order to determine the silver contents as well as the minor and trace elements. Finally, SEM/EDX was applied in order to study the homogeneity/heterogeneity of the coins and the presence of surface enrichments. In general, the silver content of the analyzed specimen varies between 90% and 95%. These outcomes have not supported the historical interpretations, which predict that during the period studied a debasement of approximately 44% of the silver content of the coins should have occurred.
Four hundred and sixteen silver coins stemming from the Ottoman Empire (16th and 17th centuries) were analyzed to confirm the fineness of the coinage as well as to study the provenance of the alloy used for the coins. As most of the coins showed the typical green patina on their surfaces due to corrosion processes that have led to the depletion of copper in the near surface domains of the silver coins in comparison to their core composition, small samples had to be taken, embedded in synthetic resin, and cross sectioned to investigate the true-heart metal composition. µ-synchrotron micro X-ray fluorescence analysis and µ-proton-induced X-ray emission were applied to determine the silver contents as well as the minor and trace elements. The type of the alloy was investigated as well as if coins minted in different locations demonstrated homogeneous traits concerning the predominant impurities (Au and Bi), which could suggest a common ore. Finally, energy-dispersive microanalysis in a scanning electron microscope was applied to study the homogeneity/heterogeneity of the coins and the presence of surface enrichments and to explain differences between the µ-synchrotron micro X-ray fluorescence analysis and µ-proton-induced X-ray emission measurements concerning the main component. In general, the silver content of the analyzed specimen varies between 90 and 95%. These outcomes have not supported the historical interpretations, which predict that during the period studied, a debasement of approximately 44% of the silver content of the coins should have occurred.
Within an interdisciplinary project, preliminary results of which were published in 2007, a group of 65 silver coins (denarii) of Trajan, evenly distributed over the entire span of his reign (2nd to 6th consulate), as well as 3 coins from the reign of his predecessor, the emperor Nerva (AD 9698), had been acquired on the coin market. These pieces could be cross-sectioned in order to carry out analyses. Measurements were performed with µ-XRF and µ-SRXRF to check the fineness of the denarius alloy as well as to investigate if the coins of the different consulates showed distinct traits concerning the main impurities which could suggest a change of ore sources. Furthermore, it was examined whether the influx of precious metals into the Roman treasury after Trajan's Dacian campaigns (AD 101/102 and 105/106) could have had any repercussions on the composition of the denarius alloy; comparative data was provided by the analysis of nine imitations of Roman Republican denarii presumably struck in Dacia. Documentation of the cross-sections was performed with SEM/EDX in order to clarify details concerning the specific microstructure of the coins. An enrichment of Ag of approx. 100 to 200 µm in the near surface regions of most of the coins could be observed, which is due to corrosion effects. Previous metallographic analyses done by several scholars had been inadequate to clarify the central numismatic and economic questions. With the presented analyses, it was possible to correct the results of the earlier research and to provide, for the first time, a secure basis of data for the investigation of the development of the silver alloy used for denarii in Trajan's reign.