https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-024-05621-1
Regular Article
Archaeometallurgical characteristics of coins in the Liao Dynasty (AD 907-1125): using metallographic microanalysis and SEM–EDS
1
School of Archaeology and Museology, Sichuan University, 610065, Chengdu, China
2
Center for Archaeological Science, Sichuan University, 610065, Chengdu, China
3
College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, 310014, Hangzhou, China
4
Institute of Cultural Relic Research of Zhoukou City, 466000, Zhoukou, China
Received:
17
June
2024
Accepted:
4
September
2024
Published online:
11
September
2024
The present study utilized metallographic microscopes and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy to analyze the microstructure and alloy ratios of nineteen Liao coins. The research indicates that the alloy type included leaded bronze, lead–tin bronze, tin bronze, and pure copper. The sulfide inclusions and iron in solid copper can be determined that the ores used for these coins can be classified into two types: sulfide ores and oxide ores. In addition to using local minerals, Liao coins may also have used metal resources obtained through trade with the Northern Song Dynasty. A comparison with Northern Song Dynasty coins reveals that the Liao coins lacking a standard and stable production mode. This is conjectured to be related to the unique economic landscape of the Liao Dynasty.
Qiang Li: Co-first author.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
