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Unveiling origins, composition, and appearance of ancient Islamic gold coins through elemental and smartphone-based colorimetric studies.

ABSTRACT: In this article, the Islamic gold coins collections of the University of Valencia is studied for the first time for its elemental composition and colorimetric properties. To that end, non-destructive elemental analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence is applied to obtain the coins' elemental profile. Additionally, the colour of the coins is assessed using smartphone-based colorimetry as an innovative non-invasive method. Results indicate that the Islamic coins could be attributed to Almoravids, and the gold origin could be the famous Sudanese gold, an ore which was valued all over the world. Also, the text found in the coins was translated and allowed to objectively identify the mint and year. Based on these results, it can be seen that the earliest coins struck in the Iberian Peninsula are characterised by slightly lower gold concentrations than the ones struck in the northern part of Africa, pointing towards a potential recycling of coins which already circulated in the area. In conclusion, this work provides new analytical insights into a peculiar and unique type of samples, allowing to draw some conclusions in terms of their origins and materials, and for the first time allows to characterise the chromatic coordinates of this type of samples.

SUBMITTER: Saez-Hernandez R

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10864403 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Unveiling origins, composition, and appearance of ancient Islamic gold coins through elemental and smartphone-based colorimetric studies.

Sáez-Hernández Roberto R Luque María Josefa MJ Mauri-Aucejo Adela R AR Morales-Rubio Ángel Á Cervera M Luisa ML

Scientific reports 20240213 1

In this article, the Islamic gold coins collections of the University of Valencia is studied for the first time for its elemental composition and colorimetric properties. To that end, non-destructive elemental analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence is applied to obtain the coins' elemental profile. Additionally, the colour of the coins is assessed using smartphone-based colorimetry as an innovative non-invasive method. Results indicate that the Islamic coins could be attributed to A ...[more]

PMID: 38351121

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Project description:Punch-marked coins (PMCs) are the oldest coins in India and among the most widely circulated globally, often found in hoards that highlight their extensive use. This study utilizes X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to analyze the surface elemental composition and chemical properties of nine series (S-0 to S-VIII) of Janapada (S-0) and imperial PMCs (S-1 to S-VIII) dating from 600 to 200 BCE, housed in the Numismatic Society of India at BHU, Varanasi, based on the Gupta-Hardakar classification related to the PMCs. XRD results reveal four prominent diffraction peaks corresponding to metallic silver (Ag) in the face-centred cubic (fcc) phase, with a slight variation in d-spacing (∼ 0.05 Å), suggesting subtle changes in the lattice structure due to smaller atomic radius elements. XPS analysis shows the non-uniform distribution of different elements, with Ag being predominant, alongside copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and trace elements, including gold (Au), only in Janapada PMCs (S-0). The binding energy curves indicate that Ag and Cu are in pure metallic forms, while Pb exists as Pb₂O₃. Importantly, no silver or copper oxide peaks were detected, indicating the metals' purity throughout the coinage process. The variations in d-spacing observed in these historical samples offer a microscopic perspective into the broader contexts of ancient economies, technologies, and cultural practices. The silver content in these PMCs decreases as Cu and Pb increase across the series up to S-V, followed by a sudden rise in S-VI, which lacks Pb. The presence of Pb induces brittleness and may serve as an indicator of the coins' age. Additionally, the carbon detected by XPS could result from smelting, surface contamination, or environmental deposition. These findings reflect a high level of metallurgical knowledge and alloying techniques developed between the sixth and third centuries BCE. The varying Ag content raises questions about the economy and demand for coins. At the same time, the structural variations identified through XRD and XPS can aid archaeometallurgists in estimating these coins' chronological and geographical origins, serving as valuable tools for authentication.

Dataset Information

Unveiling origins, composition, and appearance of ancient Islamic gold coins through elemental and smartphone-based colorimetric studies.

Publications

Unveiling origins, composition, and appearance of ancient Islamic gold coins through elemental and smartphone-based colorimetric studies.

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