A rapid, non-destructive method of neutron activation analysis of silver in coins was developed. Irradiation using a 5 curie Pu-Be neutron source results in the production of detectable amounts of only the short-lived silver isotopes, and the induced radioactivity decays completely in 10-20 min. Correction for neutron self-shielding in the coin was accomplished by analyzing a silver disk that was taped to the back of the coin prior to the irradiation. Over 1700 ancient and medieval coins have been analyzed and data useful in solving various historical problems are presented. Separate experiments involving reactor irradiations of micro-gm amounts of the coins permit the determination of Au, Ag, Cu, and other elements. These coin analysis data could be useful in determining the period of manufacture of ancient metallic art objects. The detection of modern forgeries of ancient coins and metallic art objects based on these types of analyses is discussed.