X‐ray fluorescence analysis on a group of coins from the ancient roman city of <i>Tridentum</i> (Trento, Italy)

Scuotto, Marilena; Bassi, Cristina; Lezzerini, Marco; Grifoni, Emanuela; Legnaioli, Stefano; Lorenzetti, Giulia; Pagnotta, Stefano; Palleschi, Vincenzo

doi:10.1002/xrs.2567

Cited by 10 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Nowadays, the most common techniques applied to investigate ancient alloys are Scanning Electron Microscope 6,26,27 and X-Ray Fluorescence 22,28 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microstructure and chemical composition of Roman orichalcum coins emitted after the monetary reform of Augustus (23 B.C.)

Fazio

Felici

Catalli³

et al. 2019

Sci Rep

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A collection of ancient Roman orichalcum coins, i . e ., a copper-zinc alloy, minted under the reigns from Caesar to Domitianus, have been characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). We studied, for the first time, coins emitted by Romans after the reforms of Augustus (23 B.C.) and Nero (63–64 A.D). These coins, consisting of asses , sestertii , dupondii and semisses , were analysed using non- and invasive analyses, aiming to explore microstructure, corrosive process and to acquire quantitative chemical analysis. The results revealed that the coins are characterized by porous external layers, which are affected by dezincification and decuprification processes. As pictured by the X-ray maps, the elemental distribution of Cu and Zn shows patterns of depletion that in some cases penetrate in deep up to 1 mm. The composition of the un-corroded nucleus is a Cu-Zn alloy containing up to 30% of Zn, typical of coins produced via cementation process.

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“…Nowadays, the most common techniques applied to investigate ancient alloys are Scanning Electron Microscope 6,26,27 and X-Ray Fluorescence 22,28 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microstructure and chemical composition of Roman orichalcum coins emitted after the monetary reform of Augustus (23 B.C.)

Fazio

Felici

Catalli³

et al. 2019

Sci Rep

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“…In recent years, XRF spectrometry has been used for the analysis of several numismatic collections. 3–8 The technique is nondestructive, fast, and works very well on archeological metal alloys. In particular, for the analysis of gold alloys, the lack of surface patina is a condition particularly favorable for the application of the XRF technique, 9 which is very sensitive to the presence of surface corrosion.…”

Section: Experimental Setup and Strategymentioning

confidence: 99%

X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis and Self-Organizing Maps Classification of the Etruscan Gold Coin Collection at the Monetiere of Florence

et al. 2016

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The "Monetiere" of Florence hosts the most important collection of Etruscan coins in the world. In the framework of the longstanding collaboration between the Monetiere and the Applied Laser and Spectroscopy Laboratory in Pisa, the Etruscan gold coin collection of the museum was studied. The measurements were performed at the Monetiere, using a portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument. The quantitative determination of the gold alloys used for the realization of the coins was obtained applying the fundamental parameters method to the XRF spectra; as a result, using the self-organizing maps method, we were able to classify the coins in four main groups. The main parameter determining the classification is the quantity of silver in the alloy. The results obtained shed some light about the origin of the coins under study.

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“…For this reason, a semi-quantitative significance is often assigned to portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) surface analyses [18]. Several authors have tried to use the pXRF technique for the chemical analysis of the alloy composition, in part because it consists of portable instrument that can be easily transported into the museums where ancient monetary collections are kept [19][20][21][22][23]. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that the chemical composition of metals with patinas up to 25 µm thick can be satisfactorily investigated with pXRF instrumentation [24].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Archaeometric Characterisation and Assessment of Conservation State of Coins: The Case-Study of a Selection of Antoniniani from the Hoard of Cumae (Campania Region, Southern Italy)

et al. 2023

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The paper presents the first archaeometric results on a selection of ancient Roman coins (antoniniani) from a treasure found in the Roman necropolis area of ancient Cumae (Southern Italy) during archaeological campaigns by the Centre Jean Bérard. A multi-analytical approach consisting of non-destructive techniques (stereomicroscopy, FESEM-EDS, pXRF, Raman, μ-CT) was implemented on the better-preserved coins of the treasure in order to investigate the chemical composition of the alloy. Chemical analysis showed that the Roman mint prepared the metal with an argentiferous lead–bronze alloy. A group of coins presents a low content of the precious metal, which is in agreement with the financial crisis of the Roman Empire of the third century. Another group of two coins shows a higher silver content, which is in agreement with their issue or with the Mediolanum mint standards. In addition, the external layers of corroded coins were analysed to explore the state of conservation of the patina and to identify the corrosion products. Some typical corrosion patinas due to post-depositional conditions were identified. The mineralogical characterisation of the corrosion products enables us to implement adequate conservation strategies, and the presence of more aggressive patinas suggests immediate interventions.

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X‐ray fluorescence analysis on a group of coins from the ancient roman city of Tridentum (Trento, Italy)

Cited by 10 publications

References 22 publications

Microstructure and chemical composition of Roman orichalcum coins emitted after the monetary reform of Augustus (23 B.C.)

Microstructure and chemical composition of Roman orichalcum coins emitted after the monetary reform of Augustus (23 B.C.)

X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis and Self-Organizing Maps Classification of the Etruscan Gold Coin Collection at the Monetiere of Florence

Archaeometric Characterisation and Assessment of Conservation State of Coins: The Case-Study of a Selection of Antoniniani from the Hoard of Cumae (Campania Region, Southern Italy)

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