Copper-based alloys of the fifth century

Summary. — This paper is a preliminary investigation of the alloy content of late Roman, Vandalic, and Ostrogothic bronze coins (analysed by electron microprobe) minted in the fifth and sixth centuries A.D. The results show that tin contents were significantly higher in the West in coins of Rome and Carthage while eastern and Ostrogothic nummi (and post-reform pentanummia) were composed of a poor quality copper alloy with high lead contents. Larger denominations minted after the Anasta- sian reform and by the Vandals, on the other hand, are almost pure copper.King C.E., Metcalf D. M., Northover J.P. Copper-based alloys of the fifth century. In: Revue numismatique, 6e série - Tome 34, année 1992 pp. 54-76