Neutron tomographic analysis: Material characterization of silver and electrum coins from the 6th and 5th centuries BCE

Journal Article · Mon Aug 15 04:00:00 EDT 2016 · Materials Characterization

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATCHAR.2016.05.018· OSTI ID:22689578

Olsen, S. R.; Luzin, V.; Garbe, U.; Davis, J. ^[1]; Knowles, T.; Sheedy, K. ^[2]

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1. Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234 (Australia)
2. Australian Centre for Ancient Numismatic Studies, Macquarie University, Macquarie, NSW 2109 (Australia)

Neutron tomography was applied to study a set of Greek silver coins and a single Lydian electrum coin minted in the 6 and 5th centuries BCE. The investigation was conducted at the new neutron imaging station DINGO at ANSTO in order to demonstrate capabilities and to explore limits of this non-invasive method in characterizing numismatic materials. From the reconstructed volume of each sample, the morphology, porosity, inclusions, and presence of composite structures can be revealed and evaluated. This information can be used to elucidate ancient minting technology and to prove authenticity. Moreover, the state of conservation, corrosion processes and attempts to repair the coins can be determined. - Highlights: •Pre-Roman coins •Non-destructive analysis •Neutron tomography: limit and capability.

• OSTI ID: 22689578
• Journal Information: Materials Characterization, Journal Name: Materials Characterization Vol. 118; ISSN 1044-5803; ISSN MACHEX
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
ANSTO
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SPECIMENS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CORROSION
MORPHOLOGY
NEUTRONS
NONDESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS
POROSITY
SILVER
TOMOGRAPHY