This paper summarizes a survey of Southeast Asian currency (principally of Thailand, Burma, and Malaya) from the earliest use around A.D. 1 until extensive European contact in the 16th century. The coins are treated only as datable examples of metalwork. The numismatic implications are to be published elsewhere. Of the 309 coins analyzed by x-ray fluorescence, 183 were silver, the vast majority being better than 98per thousand Ag. The next most common alloy encountered was the lead-tin system. A wide range of compositions was found, but the latest coins were interesting because they were of a metal called Ganza by the early Europeans. This metal has not been clearly identified, but appears to be a lead-tin alloy, with lead predominant. 27 copper-based coins were analyzed, with brass first appearing in the 6th to 9th centuries A.D. and nickle brasses (including some silver) by the 7th century. Even more importantly, pure zinc (better than 99per thousand Zn) appears to have been available during the period A.D. 600-1000. In view of cultural contact with India (rather than China), this suggests that metallic zinc was being distilled at this time in India. There is as yet no evidence for local production. Finally a small number of gold analyses were made. The most interesting aspect is the base metal usage, particularly copper and zinc. There is an urgent need for comparative analyses of Indian material.