MICROSTRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF EARLY WESTERN GREEK INCUSE COINS*

Giuseppe Giovannelli · Stefano Natali · Benedetto Bozzini · Aldo Siciliano · Giuseppe Sarcinelli

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Metallurgy and Cultural Artifacts Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis Metallurgical and Alloy Processes

Abstract

In this research, we studied the compositional, crystallographic and microstructural properties of a series of incuse silver didrachmae stemming from the Achaean colonies of Metapontum and Caulonia. In this paper, we address the following points: (i) the metal sources, (ii) the fabrication process and (iii) degradation phenomena, such as incrustation and embrittlement. In this investigation, we employed energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, and scanning electron and optical microscopies. The patina is mainly composed of chlorargirite. The coins consist of a silver‐rich alloy containing ∼ 1% of Au and Cu. Metallographic and local compositional analyses revealed a complex scenario of inclusions. In one instance, unalloyed copper grains, two‐phase copper/bismuth globuli and high‐bismuth filaments were observed. In other cases, globular Cu 2 S (chalcocite) inclusions were noticed. The presence of SiO 2 and iron oxide inclusions is ubiquitous in these samples. Distorted twin lines and strain lines can be detected, denoting work‐hardening of recrystallized flans. Grain polygonalization can occasionally be noticed, hinting at secondary recrystallization processes. The irregularly shaped iron oxide particles often act as crack initiation sites. Fracture facets are generally intergranular. On some areas, intergranular decohesion is also observed. Open cracks sometimes contain AgCl. The strain lines that can be noticed on the fracture surfaces indicate work‐hardening and residual microstructural deformation. Information regarding inclusions and the presence of significant amounts of gold can be tentatively used to address provenancing and fabrication issues.

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References

1992Metallography and Microstructure of Ancient and Historic Metals 1977Archaic and Classical Greek Coins 1950De re metallica 2018de Re Metallica 1997Early Metal Mining and Production 1977Archaic and Classical Greek Coins. By Colin M. Kraay.1981Metallurgy in numismatics 2003SEALED SILVER IN IRON AGE CISJORDAN AND THE ‘INVENTION’ OF COINAGE

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