Elemental analysis of silver coins of Seljuk's' of Rome by PIXE: A case study

Elemental analysis of silver coins provides valuable information regarding mines and mint houses which coins has been minted for circulation. Additionally, the analysis will yield information about the political and economical conditions among the coins have been circulated among the cities which the coins have been issued. Several silver coins belonging to Roman Seljuk which has been ruled in Anatolia have been analyzed for the first time by using multi-elemental non-destructive PIXE technique. Our studies reveals that silver, copper, Iron, gold and lead are the major, minor and trace elements as key elements in the PIXE technique and distinguishing of mint houses. Average of Ag in coins showed higher amount of Ag is in coins minted in Konya which indicates a good stability and economic situation at this city. High concentration of Cu in coins indicates that, it has been added deliberately to show monetary policy or economic necessity. © 2013 MAA.