Part I. Principles of methodology in analytical procedures, heterogeneity in ancient alloys, problems of numismatic specimens, original corrosion deposits as additional sources of information. Part II. An annotated review of papers presented at a Symposium at the Royal Numismatic Society in London in 1970 under the title Methods of chemical and metallurgical investigation of ancient coinage. Part III. Discussion of possible errors in quantitative determinations connected with the ways of final presentation of results of measurements. Unconsidered factors in undirect methods and application of standards, expression of data in percents, and the personal factor. The general conclusion is that a very strict analytical discipline has to be maintained in measurements as well as in their interpretation. -- AATA