A golden drachma from Bruttìa : Counterfeit money revealed by scanning electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence
Part of : Mediterranean archaeology & archaeometry : international journal ; Vol.8, No.2, 2008, pages 31-38
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Pages:
31-38
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Articles
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Abstract:
Diagnostic studies performed on an ancient coin are presented in order to find ifthe coin is authentic or is a coinage proof. Our investigation includes ScanningElectron Microscopy – Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) andCathodoluminescence (CL). The coin is a Drachma representing on the obverse theportrait of Poseidon and, on the reverse the figure of Anfitrite riding a seahorse whileEros is shooting an arrow. The coin is well known in the numismatic studies andoriginals can also be found in Catanzaro, Naples or Milan museums. The EDXanalysis, executed on narrow points of the surface, revealed Pb and Cu as maincomponents of the coin on both sides: 51% of Pb and 35% of Cu their weight andsurprisingly on both sides traces of gold was found. The maximum dimensions andthe percentage in weight of the small revealed gold spots were respectively on theorder of 20 μm and 95%. At the same time luminescence emission induced byelectron bombardment (CL) on these spots was executed. This analysis confirmedSEM results, though the presence of Au was more evident than in SEM analysis. Infact CL analysis showed a little presence of Au throughout the sample surface.
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Keywords:
drachma, Bruttia, golden coin, SEM-EDX, CL analysis
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