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Neutron activation analysis on ancient Greek silver coins and related materials

  • Applications in Archaeology, Art and Forensic Sciences
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Abstract

66 archaic Greek silver coins have been analyzed for the minor elements Cu, Au, Bi and Pb, and for the trace elements Na, Mn, Co, Ni, As, Sn, Sb and Ir. Instrumental neutron activation has been used for the determination of Cu and Au and atomic absorption spectroscopy for Pb and Bi. The trace elements could be detected only after a separation of the interfering matrix activities by an extraction with a diethyl-dithio-carbamate complex. The homogeneity of Au and Cu in the coins and the significance of the trace elements are discussed. The statistical evaluation of the analytical data reveals distinct groups for coins of some provenances.

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Author notes

  1. P. A. Schubiger

    Present address: Swiss Federal Institute for Reactor Research, CH-5303, Würenlingen, Switzerls

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Max-Planc-Institut für Kernphysik, P.O. Box 103980, D-6900, Heidelberg, (FRG)

    P. A. Schubiger, O. Müller & W. Gentner

Authors
  1. P. A. Schubiger
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  2. O. Müller
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  3. W. Gentner
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Schubiger, P.A., Müller, O. & Gentner, W. Neutron activation analysis on ancient Greek silver coins and related materials. J. Radioanal. Chem. 39, 99–112 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02517216

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02517216

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