36713
Accession Number
22461
Title Of Article Chaper
Gold and Copper Traces in Early Greek Silver
Title Of Journal Book
Archaeometry
Volume
2
Collation
16 p. : Figs.
Language Of Text
English
Literature Type
Serial
Literature Level
Analytic
Abstract
This is an early report of application of neutron activation analysis to determine metal composition of Greek coins. Athenian coins evidence a single ore source and a single metallic standard. Certain coins from Corinth were found to be of Athenian silver, with other sources used as well. Multiple ore sources are also indicated for Croton and Caulonia, although a single metallic standard is indicated. Macedon and Syracuse appear to have had a single source of ore, but to have used varying metallic standards. Thasos may have used several sources along with varying metallic standards. Variation in gold content is the best guide to source, while variation in copper content is the best guide to variation in metallic standard.
Keywords
neutron activation analysis;coins;numismatics;ancient Greece; metallic standard;source analysis
pub_id
36713