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V13 2010 INDEX       E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 13, Number 22, May 30, 2010, Article 25

NEW NONDESTRUCTIVE METHOD FOR ANALYZING ANCIENT COINS

Via the Explorator newsletter comes this Science Daily article about a promising new method for analyzing ancient coins. -Editor

Ancient prutah coin Demonstrating that chemistry sometimes can inform history, researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Colorado College and Mount Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Md., have shown that sensitive nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques can be used to determine the elemental composition of ancient coins, even coins that generally have been considered too corroded for such methods.

Along the way, the researchers' analysis of coins minted in ancient Judea has raised new questions about who ruled the area while giving insight into trading patterns and industry in the region.

Elemental and isotope analysis of the metals in ancient artifacts sometimes can pinpoint the places where the metal was mined, because ores in a given region often have a unique composition. This can be combined with historical records of when mines in the area were operating to determine when the coin was likely struck. The results not only help date the coin, but also offer insight into trade and power relationships in the region.

To read the complete article, see: Nondestructive Methods for Evaluating Ancient Coins Could Be Worth Their Weight in Gold (www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100527124053.htm)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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