Εξειδίκευση τύπου :	Άρθρο σε επιστημονικό περιοδικό
Τίτλος:	Compositional analysis of 6th-5th century BC silver coins from the Larnaca Hoard (IGCH 1272) (Cyprus) using pXRF spectrometry
Δημιουργός/Συγγραφέας:	[EL] Μάρκου, Ευαγγελινή[EN] Markou, Evangeline Charalambous, Andreas Kassianidou, Vasiliki
Εκδότης:	American Numismatic Society
Τόπος έκδοσης:	New York
Ημερομηνία:	2020
Γλώσσα:	Αγγλικά
Άλλο:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/27113053
Περίληψη:	The elemental composition of 436 silver coins from a hoard of the fifth century BC, minted by the Iron Age Cypriot city-kingdoms of Kition, Idalion, Lapethos, Paphos and Salamis, as well as a small number of coins from unidentified mints, was determined by pXRF spectrometry in order primarily to study the silver alloys used for their manufacture. The specific technique was applied because it allows for a non-destructive analysis, taking into consideration its inherent limitations as a surface analysis technique and the possibility of the existence of surface enrichment elements that do not reflect the materials’ actual bulk composition. This is the first time such a large number of ancient Cypriot silver coins has been analyzed providing numismatists and archaeologists with new insights into this important component of ancient material culture. The results of the compositional analysis show that the various groups of coins were made of a similar Ag-Cu alloy with silver concentration in the range of 96.5–98.5%. The proportion of copper, larger than the approximately 0.5% that would be expected from ordinary ancient methods of refining silver, is likely justified as an attempt to increase the hardness of the alloy and to improve its casting and minting processing, rather than as an attempt of debasement or a form of adulteration. Furthermore, the analysis has shown that most of the analyzed coins have a lead concentration below 0.5%, indicating a very efficient silver refining process. Gold is in most instances present in a concentration range between 0.1 and 0.5%. The presence of detectable bismuth in most of the coins, at lower concentrations than gold, provides information about the type of ores that were used for the production of silver metal. The interpretation of the chemical elements content reveals similarities and differences between the mints of the Cypriot city-kingdoms and the several coin issues.
Τίτλος πηγής δημοσίευσης:	American Journal of Numismatics (1989-)
Τόμος/Κεφάλαιο:	32
Σελίδες:	1-30
Θεματική Κατηγορία:	[EL] Αρχαία Ιστορία[EN] Ancient history [EL] Αρχαιολογία[EN] Archaeology [EL] Νομισματική[EN] Numismatics [EL] Βοηθητικές επιστήμες της Ιστορίας (Γενικά)[EN] Auxiliary sciences of History (General)
Λέξεις-Κλειδιά:	Ancient history of Cyprus Ancient Coins Archaeometry Archaeological Sciences
Τοπική Κάλυψη:	Larnaca, Cyprus
Χρονική Κάλυψη:	6th-5th c. BC
Κάτοχος πνευματικών δικαιωμάτων:	© 2020 The American Numismatic Society
Ηλεκτρονική διεύθυνση στον εκδότη (link):	https://www.jstor.org/stable/27113053
Εμφανίζεται στις συλλογές:	Τομέας Ελληνικής και Ρωμαϊκής Αρχαιότητας - Επιστημονικό έργο