THE METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION OF A DEBASED SILVER COIN OF MAXIMINUS DAZA ISSUED BY CONSTANTINE I

Non-destructive methods of chemical analysis always involve uncertainties, and in some circumstances they can be quite unsuitable for a true analysis. The greater value of a completely destructive chemical analysis and a comprehensive metallographic study for revealing the intentions of the moneyers and the entire metallurgical history of an ancient coin is demonstrated for the case of a rare silver-coated debased silver issue of the early fourth century A.D.