Ricerc@Sapienza

A group of orichalcum Roman coins, from private collections, have been studied for this research. Numismatic examination indicated that they are asses, sestertium and dupondius, minted from Julius Caesar to Nero. Orichalcum is an ancient copper based alloy with a variable percentage of zinc.
The aim of this study was to investigate the process of dezincification from the external layers to the core of the samples. Furthermore, the research was aimed to disclose the real chemical composition of the orichalcum alloy.

A selected number of Roman orichalcum coins, from private collections, have been studied. Numismatic analysis indicates that (Crawford, 1974; Sutherland, 1984) they are asses, sestertius and dupondium, minted by Julius Caesar, Augustus and Claudius. The aim of this study was to disclose the chemical composition of the orichalcum alloy, the nature of the patina and corrosion products; orichalcum is an ancient copper based alloy with a variable percentage of zinc (Craddock, 1978). With this aim a multi-analytical approach was involved, i.e.

A bronze axe of the Iron Age found in Motya (Sicily, Italy), in prehistoric strata dating from the 10th century BC (before the foundation of the Phoenician colony), has been characterised using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Electron Microprobe Analysis (EMPA). The axe was studied using micro-and invasive analyses, aiming to explore microstructure, corrosive process and to acquire quantitative chemical analysis. The results revealed that the axe is composed by a leaded-Cu-Sn alloy.