Characterization of Dyrrhachium silver coins by micro-PIXE method

• DOI: 10.1016/s0168-583x(99)00967-2
• Publication Date: 2003-04-05T02:36:40Z
• Authors: I Uzonyi; R Bugoi; A Sasianu; Á.Z Kiss; B Constantinescu; M Torbágyi
• Keywords: Characterization

Abstract Ancient silver coins (drachms) issued by the Greek city Dyrrhachium during 68–43 years BC were analysed non-destructively by micro-PIXE method. The selected 27 drachms, including four imitations, belong to the numismatic collection of the Hungarian National Museum (HNM). Nine elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Ag, Sn, Au, Pb and Bi) were determined quantitatively. Samples are characterised with a uniformly low ∼92% Ag concentration. Debasement is supposed.