Journal
HERITAGE
Volume 6, Issue 2, Pages 2038-2055Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/heritage6020110
Keywords
Roman imperial coinage; antoniniani; Cumae; metals; alloy composition; spectroscopy; corrosion products; patinas
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This paper presents the first archaeometric results on a selection of ancient Roman coins from a treasure found in the Roman necropolis area of ancient Cumae. A multi-analytical approach was used to investigate the chemical composition of the alloy and the state of conservation of the patina. The results show that the Roman mint used an argentiferous lead-bronze alloy and identified typical corrosion patinas due to post-depositional conditions. Adequate conservation strategies are recommended, particularly for the more aggressive patinas.
The paper presents the first archaeometric results on a selection of ancient Roman coins (antoniniani) from a treasure found in the Roman necropolis area of ancient Cumae (Southern Italy) during archaeological campaigns by the Centre Jean Berard. A multi-analytical approach consisting of non-destructive techniques (stereomicroscopy, FESEM-EDS, pXRF, Raman, mu-CT) was implemented on the better-preserved coins of the treasure in order to investigate the chemical composition of the alloy. Chemical analysis showed that the Roman mint prepared the metal with an argentiferous lead-bronze alloy. A group of coins presents a low content of the precious metal, which is in agreement with the financial crisis of the Roman Empire of the third century. Another group of two coins shows a higher silver content, which is in agreement with their issue or with the Mediolanum mint standards. In addition, the external layers of corroded coins were analysed to explore the state of conservation of the patina and to identify the corrosion products. Some typical corrosion patinas due to post-depositional conditions were identified. The mineralogical characterisation of the corrosion products enables us to implement adequate conservation strategies, and the presence of more aggressive patinas suggests immediate interventions.
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