The results of the analysis, using the energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometer attached to the scanning electron microscope, of platinum-group element inclusions in a range of gold jewelry and coins from the Near East and eastern Mediterranean spanning the period from 3200 B.C. To A.D. 300 are presented. The fairly frequent occurrence of PGE inclusions in the jewelry and coins examined confirms that gold from placer deposits was extensively used in antiquity. All the inclusions analyzed are of the iridium-osmium-ruthenium alloy type and no platiniridium inclusions were detected. The inclusions found within a single object frequently exhibit a wide range of compositions and therefore the composition of the inclusions does not normally provide a basis for characterizing the source of the gold. In particular the hypothesis that the Pactolus valley was an important source of gold which was used throughout the Near East cannot be confirmed.