Neutron Activation Analysis of the Metals from Ancient Coins Dating Back to Roman Age

Abstract

Concentration levels of various elements have been estimated in ancient coins dating back to Roman age, which have been found in a sewage system of the ancient Ainos (Enez, Turkey). The coins are distributed into two groups on the basis of elemental composition: Pb and Cu based or Fe and Mn based coins indicating that two different ore deposits were used for issuing these coins. Other minor elements present in varying proportions are Ca, As and Sn. Besides to these major and minor elements, the coins were found to contain Na, K, Sc, Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Br, Ag, Sb, Ba, Au as impurities.