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The hoard of Beçin—non-destructive analysis of the silver coins

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Abstract

We report the results of an analytical investigation on 416 silver-copper coins stemming from the Ottoman Empire (end of 16th and beginning of 17th centuries), using synchrotron micro X-ray fluorescence analysis (SRXRF). In the past, analyses had already been conducted with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDX) and proton induced X-ray emission spectroscopy (PIXE). With this combination of techniques it was possible to confirm the fineness of the coinage as well as to study the provenance of the alloy used for the coins.

For the interpretation of the data statistical analysis (principal component analysis—PCA) has been performed. A definite local assignment was explored and significant clustering was obtained regarding the minor and trace elements composing the coin alloys.

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Author notes

  1. M. Mäder

    Present address: Freiberger Compound Materials, Am Junger Löwe Schacht 5, 09599, Freiberg, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Science and Technology in Art, Academy of Fine Arts, Schillerplatz 3, 1010, Vienna, Austria

    M. Rodrigues, M. Schreiner, M. Mäder & M. Melcher

  2. Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria

    M. Rodrigues, M. Schreiner & M. Melcher

  3. Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France (C2RMF)—UMR 171, Palais du Louvre—Porte des Lions, 14 quai François Mitterrand, 75001, Paris, France

    M. Guerra & J. Salomon

  4. Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Richard Willstätter-Straße 11, 12489, Berlin, Germany

    M. Radtke

  5. Coincabinet, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Burgring 5, 1010, Vienna, Austria

    M. Alram

  6. Numismatic Commission, Academy of Sciences, Ignaz-Seipl-Platz 1, 1010, Vienna, Austria

    M. Alram & N. Schindel

Authors
  1. M. Rodrigues
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  2. M. Schreiner
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  3. M. Mäder
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  4. M. Melcher
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  5. M. Guerra
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  6. J. Salomon
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  7. M. Radtke
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  8. M. Alram
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  9. N. Schindel
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Rodrigues.

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Rodrigues, M., Schreiner, M., Mäder, M. et al. The hoard of Beçin—non-destructive analysis of the silver coins. Appl. Phys. A 99, 351–356 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-010-5627-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-010-5627-y

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