Abstract
A microdrilling method and apparatus have been developed for the representative sampling of inhomogeneous ancient coins. By drilling through the cylindrical surface of coins a more average sample can be obtained than with surface sampling techniques. This drilling process leaves barely visible holes on the cylindrical surface of the coin, while the faces are unaffected. The technique has been successfully applied to 4th–5th century Roman bronze quadrantes. Preliminary analytical data, obtained by atomic-absorption spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and wet chemistry, show quite different compositions for the three coins analysed. Photomicrographic examination shows clear evidence of the inhomogeneity and the need for averaging sampling.
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