Analysis of the Hoard of Beçin using X-ray-based techniques

International audience"Four hundred and sixteen silver coins stemming from the Ottoman Empire (16th and 17th centuries) were analyzed to confirm the fineness of the coinage as well as to study the provenance of the alloy used for the coins. As most of the coins showed the typical green patina on their surfaces due to corrosion processes that have led to the depletion of copper in the near surface domains of the silver coins in comparison to their core composition, small samples had to be taken, embedded in synthetic resin, and cross sectioned to investigate the true‐heart metal composition. μ‐synchrotron micro X‐ray fluorescence analysis and μ‐proton‐induced X‐ray emission were applied to determine the silver contents as well as the minor and trace elements. The type of the alloy was investigated as well as if coins minted in different locations demonstrated homogeneous traits concerning the predominant impurities (Au and Bi), which could suggest a common ore. Finally, energy‐dispersive microanalysis in a scanning electron microscope was applied to study the homogeneity/heterogeneity of the coins and the presence of surface enrichments and to explain differences between the μ‐synchrotron micro X‐ray fluorescence analysis and μ‐proton‐induced X‐ray emission measurements concerning the main component. In general, the silver content of the analyzed specimen varies between 90 and 95%. These outcomes have not supported the historical interpretations, which predict that during the period studied, a debasement of approximately 44% of the silver content of the coins should have occurred." (source éditeur