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Rezaiemalek S, Dehpahlavan M, Emami M. (2025). Study and Comparison of Analytical Techniques in Numismatics Research. JRA. 11(2), : 11 doi:10.66224/jra.2025.11.211
URL: http://jra-tabriziau.ir/article-1-457-en.html
URL: http://jra-tabriziau.ir/article-1-457-en.html
1- Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran ,Mdehpahlavan@ut.ac.ir
3- Department of Conservation of Historic-Cultural Objects, Faculty of Conservation and Restoration, Isfahan University of Art, Isfahan, Iran
2- Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran ,
3- Department of Conservation of Historic-Cultural Objects, Faculty of Conservation and Restoration, Isfahan University of Art, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract: (1064 Views)
The chemical composition analysis of coins provides information about their fineness, which helps examine changes in coinage over centuries and uncover related political, economic, and social facts. Additionally, such studies offer valuable insights into counterfeiting and authenticity, manufacturing techniques, the origin of the metal ore, and the minting location, revealing connections between different regions and trade routes among industrial centers. Today, the use of precise instruments and instrumental analytical methods has facilitated access to this information. However, selecting an appropriate analytical method is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable data, given the diversity of instruments and their limitations. This study reviews common analytical methods for ancient coins, including XRF, PIXE, SEM-EDX, NAA, LA-ICP-MS, and MC-ICP-MS, and evaluates their advantages and limitations. Among these methods, X-ray-based techniques such as XRF and PIXE are the most widely used in numismatic research due to their speed, low cost, and non-destructive nature. However, it should be noted that these methods can only provide information on economic and political conditions and manufacturing techniques when the coin's surface is free of corrosion or enriched layers. In contrast, mass spectrometry techniques such as LA-ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS are more suitable for determining the metal's provenance and analyzing isotopic composition. Nevertheless, their high cost and limited accessibility have restricted their widespread application. The findings of this study indicate that selecting the ideal method depends on the study's objectives, the coin's surface condition, and the available laboratory facilities. Moreover, combining multiple complementary techniques can yield more precise and reliable data for the analysis of historical coins.
Article number: 11
Keywords: Ancient Coins, Instrumental Analysis, Archaeometry, Destructive and non-destructive methods, X-ray
Technical Note: Review |
Subject:
Archaeometry
Received: 2025/03/18 | Accepted: 2025/06/10 | Published: 2025/12/30 | ePublished: 2025/12/30
Received: 2025/03/18 | Accepted: 2025/06/10 | Published: 2025/12/30 | ePublished: 2025/12/30
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