ANALYSIS OF COPPER COINS BY EDXRF TECHNIQUE

Coins are important archaeological objects that can provide useful information regarding preparation methodology and provenance. Their classification plays a fundamental role in dating historical events, in constructing trade routes and in establishing the welfare of population. Several Indian copper coins of different periods have been studied using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopic technique. The method is rapid, efficient, multi elemental and non-destructive in nature. Concentrations of the major and trace elements like Ca , Ti , V , Cr , Mn , Fe , Co , Ni , Cu , Zn , As and Pb have been estimated in these copper coins. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to characterize some Indian copper coins of different periods using EDXRF technique.