Analysis of ancient Indian silver punch-marked coins by external PIXE

Rautray, Tapash R.; Nayak, Suman S.; Tripathy, B. B.; Das, Saubhagyalaxmi; Das, M. M.; Das, S. R.; Chattopadhyay, Pabitra

doi:10.1016/j.apradiso.2011.06.008

Cited by 13 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…These coinages were known as Panna in earlier literature but as Karshapana later by which they are generally known today . As pure silver coins are physically inconvenient, copper has deliberately been added in silver for hardening, economic reasons, and to give desired size and weight for the purpose of circulation of coins . The enrichment of silver metal on the surface of the silver‐copper coin is still not well defined, and many hypotheses like segregation of components during casting due to immiscibility, deliberate heat treatment or cold deformation, and selective leaching of more reactive component, i.e.…”

Section: Introductioncontrasting

confidence: 92%

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Examination and analysis of Indian silver punch‐marked coins employing WD‐XRF and other noninvasive techniques

Mamania¹,

Singh

Lal³

2018

Surface & Interface Analysis

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The archaeometallurgical analysis of ancient silver coins provides useful information regarding fabrication methodology, provenance, and trade route and explains large diversification in elementary composition, weight, and physical features. The present investigation deals with the chemical analysis and examination of the processing history of Indian punch-marked silver coins dating to 400-200 BC. The chemical analysis was carried out by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The microstructural examination was performed using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and different phases were identified by Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) Spectroscopy. It was observed that all eight coins were manufactured with silvercopper alloy. The ore used for obtaining silver was argentiferous galena, and cupellation was carried with perfection. The absence of slag inclusions as revealed by SEM examination indicated that coins (numbers 2, 4, 5, and 7) were cast from a molten state. The presence of Cu 2 O, CuO, and Ag 2 O on the surfaces of the coins was confirmed by XRD.The formed oxide layers provided protection and saved the coins from bulky corrosion products. The data reveal great divergence of coin surface from the composition of the core with the far better metallurgical process for refining of silver for this hoard.

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Section: Introductioncontrasting

confidence: 92%

“…Although the presence of gold from 0.7% to a maximum of 6.2% has been reported in the Indian pmc, but in the present investigation, we could not detect any gold showing fabrication of coins in different mint. The absence of Zn and Sn in the analyzed samples denotes that copper was added as a pure metal and not as Cu alloy.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Examination and analysis of Indian silver punch‐marked coins employing WD‐XRF and other noninvasive techniques

Mamania¹,

Singh

Lal³

2018

Surface & Interface Analysis

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“…After that, the coins were washed with acetone and then air-dried. Subsequently, the coins were immersed in 10% formic acid solution for 24 hours and then dried in the oven [2]. The calibration of the EDXRF system was obtained through direct measurements of a standards and a program based on the method.…”

Section: Documentation Of Coins Before Conservation Treatmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Coins are usually found in large numbers in archaeological excavations, because they have high survival rate when compared to other types of metal artefacts. In numismatics, relative proportion of major/ minor elements in coins provides valuable information on changes in monetary theory, economic conditions, material technologies, political aspect, religion, cultural heritage and art of minting at the time [2]. Different materials such as silver, gold, copper, bronze etc.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Compositional Study of Silver Coins of Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah, a Sultan of Bengal (14th Century Ce) Using Edxrf

Nuri

Akter²

2022

Egyptian Journal of Archaeological and Restoration Studies

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In numismatics, coins are considered as a reflection of the economy and culture of a nation or civilization. Relative proportion of major/minor elements in coins provides valuable information on changes in monetary theory, economic conditions, material technologies, political aspect, religion, cultural heritage and art of minting at the time. Ten silver coins issued by Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah, a ruler of the Bengal Sultanate, were selected from the collection of Bangladesh National Museum and analyzed using EDXRF for elemental composition and comparative study. Shamsuddin Iliyas Shah ascended the throne about the end of the year 1342 CE (743 Hijri) and had a reign of 16 years and some months. The main element, silver was estimated along with trace elements copper and gold. Silver was found in all coins and varied between 97% and 99% indicating the better economic condition of the regime of Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah. Moreover, copper was deliberately added to silver during coin fabrication for hardening purposes.

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“…Several studies have been done on Sasanian silver coins and their contemporary issues (Hajivaliei et al 1999, 645-650;Vijayan et al 2004, 353-356;Rautray et al 2011Rautray et al , 1385Rautray et al -1389, but these have only reported on the chemical composition of the coins and not their sources or refining technology. After the long war with the Seleucids the Parthians came into contact with the roman empire and a long struggle ensued over the occupation of Mesopotamia and Armenia.…”

Section: Analytical Techniquementioning

confidence: 99%