Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
11031247 Microchemical Journal 2019 10 Pages PDF
Abstract
The aim of this research was to characterize ten Provisini, one of the most common silver coins in the Middle Age, dating back to the 13th century A.D. These coins are composed by Ag-Cu alloy and were coined in the Roman mint. A non-destructive, micro-destructive and multi-analytical approach was used, aiming to preserve the surfaces of the coins. The results of XRD and micro-Raman spectroscopy allow defining the alloy composition and the mineralogical nature of the alteration products (e.g. cuprite, tenorite, chlorargyrite, stromeyerite). X-ray maps provided information on major elements distribution on the surface. Finally, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Voltammetry of Immobilized Micro-Particles (VIMP) permitted to reconstruct the possible scheme of the multi-layering of the patina on the coins. Then, the conservation status was monitored.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemistry Analytical Chemistry
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