Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis and X-ray microanalysis of medieval silver coins - An analytical approach for non-destructive investigation of corroded metallic artifacts

Austrian medieval silver/copper coins were investigated at their surfaces b y energy dispersive Xray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF) and at the cross-sec tions by X-ray microanalysis in the scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDX) in order to estimate the error occurring when corroded objects of art and a rchaeology are analyzed on the surface by nondestructive methods. Additiona lly, Ag/Cu-standards were treated in diluted sulphuric acid and the depleti on of copper on the surface was measured by EDXRF. By calculating the ratio of the Ag-K/Ag-L intensity the process of blanching could be studied.