Shedding light on the microstructure and chemical composition of rare early medieval coins from Italy (Berengario I) by combining pXRF and SEM–EDX analysis

Volpi, Vanessa; Chiarantini, Laura; Cicali, Cristina; Salvadori, Barbara

doi:10.1007/s12520-023-01726-3

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…It's worth noting that metals and metal alloys primarily yield a signal from the few superficial microns of material. Therefore, in metal studies, this technique can be considered a surface technique [14,15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

X-ray fluorescence analysis of three late medieval silver chalices associated with Ireland

Biolcati,

McDonnell,

Hoffman

et al. 2024

Herit Sci

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This paper presents the results of the first X-ray fluorescence (XRF) investigation conducted on three late medieval chalices associated with Ireland: the Ó Learghusa chalice, auctioned as medieval Irish in 2021, does not have a confirmed provenance; the de Burgo-O'Malley chalice, dated 1494, and the TP-IEP chalice, dated 1589, both of Irish provenance. This study effectively addressed the knowledge gap concerning Irish medieval silver chalices composition. The analysis revealed that both the Ó Learghusa and de Burgo-O'Malley chalices were crafted from a silver-copper alloy and adorned using a fire-gilding technique. The blue and green enamels on the de Burgo-O'Malley chalice were found to be constituted by cobalt and iron/copper glasses, respectively. In contrast, the TP-IEP chalice exhibited a more intricate structure, being a composite object with partial silver gilt and with the bowl and base possibly made of a ternary silver-copper-gold alloy. The TP-IEP chalice’s knop displayed glass, simulating gems with transparent, blue, and purple colorations. XRF analysis allowed identification of lead-potash glass, while the red glass displayed a rich iron content and was identified as soda-lime glass. The analysis allowed concluding that the de Burgo-O'Malley chalice had retained its original condition, including its original gilding and enamels, while the Ó Learghusa and TP-IEP chalices appeared to have undergone refurbishment. These significant discoveries contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical context and artistic craftsmanship behind these late medieval chalices, shedding light on their unique stories within Irish art and history.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

X-ray fluorescence analysis of three late medieval silver chalices associated with Ireland

Biolcati,

McDonnell,

Hoffman

et al. 2024

Herit Sci

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Archaeometric investigations of Sasanian silver drachmas (6th-7th century AD) using X-ray fluorescence analysis

Marussi,

Pavoni,

Crosera

et al. 2024

Journal of Cultural Heritage

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Surface elemental and structural analysis of ancient Indian punch-marked coins (600 to 200 BCE): insights into metallurgy and economic practices

Upadhyay,

Giri,

Prakash

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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Punch-marked coins (PMCs) are the oldest coins in India and among the most widely circulated globally, often found in hoards that highlight their extensive use. This study utilizes X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to analyze the surface elemental composition and chemical properties of nine series (S-0 to S-VIII) of Janapada (S-0) and imperial PMCs (S-1 to S-VIII) dating from 600 to 200 BCE, housed in the Numismatic Society of India at BHU, Varanasi, based on the Gupta-Hardakar classification related to the PMCs. XRD results reveal four prominent diffraction peaks corresponding to metallic silver (Ag) in the face-centred cubic (fcc) phase, with a slight variation in d-spacing (∼ 0.05 Å), suggesting subtle changes in the lattice structure due to smaller atomic radius elements. XPS analysis shows the non-uniform distribution of different elements, with Ag being predominant, alongside copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and trace elements, including gold (Au), only in Janapada PMCs (S-0). The binding energy curves indicate that Ag and Cu are in pure metallic forms, while Pb exists as Pb₂O₃. Importantly, no silver or copper oxide peaks were detected, indicating the metals’ purity throughout the coinage process. The variations in d-spacing observed in these historical samples offer a microscopic perspective into the broader contexts of ancient economies, technologies, and cultural practices. The silver content in these PMCs decreases as Cu and Pb increase across the series up to S-V, followed by a sudden rise in S-VI, which lacks Pb. The presence of Pb induces brittleness and may serve as an indicator of the coins’ age. Additionally, the carbon detected by XPS could result from smelting, surface contamination, or environmental deposition. These findings reflect a high level of metallurgical knowledge and alloying techniques developed between the sixth and third centuries BCE. The varying Ag content raises questions about the economy and demand for coins. At the same time, the structural variations identified through XRD and XPS can aid archaeometallurgists in estimating these coins’ chronological and geographical origins, serving as valuable tools for authentication. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-024-76356-3.

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Shedding light on the microstructure and chemical composition of rare early medieval coins from Italy (Berengario I) by combining pXRF and SEM–EDX analysis

Cited by 4 publications

References 54 publications

X-ray fluorescence analysis of three late medieval silver chalices associated with Ireland

X-ray fluorescence analysis of three late medieval silver chalices associated with Ireland

Archaeometric investigations of Sasanian silver drachmas (6th-7th century AD) using X-ray fluorescence analysis

Surface elemental and structural analysis of ancient Indian punch-marked coins (600 to 200 BCE): insights into metallurgy and economic practices

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