Analysis of Gaulish coins by proton induced X-ray emission, synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence and neutron activation analysis

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Abstract

Recent diggings in Brittany provide us with new Gaulish coins for a further study about their value and dating. The elemental analysis gives a good idea of the great variety in the monetary alloys used in Gallia in the second part of the first century B.C. Each coin was analyzed by surface and volume techniques. For some samples the discrepancy between the two types of analysis is large for Ag-rich alloys: a surface enrichment in silver is observed.

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