M. Járó - L. Költő szerk.: Archaeometrical research in Hungary (Budapest, 1988)

Analysis - BIRÓ Tamás: Nuclear methods in archaeometry developed in the Institute of Isotopes

Table 3 Analysis of coins by GAA Coin name element concentration (o/^) Remark Coin name element determined by GAA given in catalogue Remark Turkish piaster Au 920± 30 916 Swedish crown Au 890± 30 900 Denar 840+ 30 850-950 1467-1490 Ag 885± 90 850± 85 510±100 counterfeit Denar 1494 Ag 920+ 60 850-950 Denar 1512 Ag 870±100 884 Nuclear data of the elements measured: half lives of

197 Au

m and 107 Ag

111

, 109

Ag"

1 77 S m

^ 44 SJ 40 s, respectively, the energy of gamma-rays emitted is 279 keV and 99 keV, 88 keV, respectively

. Platinum is also detectable, its isomeric state having a half life of 4.08 days and a gamma emission of 130 keV. X and gamma radiography, metallography (iv) X and gamma radiography are available at a number of industrial laboratories but the technique applied there is not easily applicable to most archaeological problems. In addition to occasional tasks, such as finds heavily corroded (see Photos 2,3), radiography participated in two typical investigations. Two examples are given here illustrating the potentials in the study of paintings, in Photos 4, 5 [8]. As was mentioned earlier, the complex study of Copper Age axes included radiography and metallurgical examination as well. The radiography of the axes revealed their homogeneity (no inclusions and cavities) but some longitudinal streaks indicate considerable stretching (elongation) by hammering. Metallography confirms this conclusion and in addition proves that copper had previously been in the melted state (see Photos 6 abc).