Abstract
In this work, the elemental composition of 21 coins from nineteenth and twenty centuries of South America belonging to a private collection were performed using the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). Different coin numismatic catalogs were used as reference material. The XRF measurements were performed using ARTAX 200 system (Bruker AXS Inc., Madison, WI, USA), which consists of an X-ray tube with Mo anode and a Silicon Drift Detector. The analyses were performed with a voltage and current of 40 kV and 600 μA, respectively, and an acquisition time of 100 s. It was possible to evaluate that all twenty-one pieces were made from metallic alloys. The major elements found were Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn and Sn. Twenty coins were consistent with their cataloged version, on the other hand, only one coin showed a different chemical composition from its cataloged version. So, this result can be an indication that this coin may be a fake.
Highlights
Coins analysis is a subject that has been studied by many researchers since they are considered a living representation of the history of a people
The aim of this work was to determine the elemental composition of 21 coins using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technique to determine the type of alloy used for the coins and to check for possible fakes by comparing the results obtained with the data compiled in the literature and numismatic catalogs
The results obtained in this study are consistent with the results presented in the catalog [4, 5]; an alloy with Cu, Zn and Sn as main elements can be found in the literature as Tin brass
Summary
Coins analysis is a subject that has been studied by many researchers since they are considered a living representation of the history of a people. The determination of the chemical composition of ancient and modern coins may offer valuable information to archaeologists, historians, numismatics, and coin dealers, mainly regarding their manufacturing technology and authenticity, source of raw material, the geographical distribution, and period of their minted [1, 2]. Buying, selling and trading coins, especially old and rare ones, can be an expensive investment, so the application of non-destructive analytical techniques in the Archaeometry study is important, mainly because you can identify fake pieces [3]. Data from virtually all types of coins, most of which are photographed, with the mint year and other information, can be found in the online numismatics catalogs. Coin catalogs are essential when dealing with ancient or foreign coins and provide a comprehensive guide for both beginner and advanced collectors [4, 5]
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