University Archives

A series of ten 2-kopek copper coins from Imperial Russia have been analyzed via energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to determine each coin’s overall composition.  We present the results, which always include more than simply copper – although copper is in all cases the element that is a major component.  What might be called common minor components include: tin, zinc, lead, silver, and arsenic.  Also, we examine why mercury appears to be present in several examples in concentrations above the LOD, although always in small amounts.