Specialized Analysis of Timurid Coins Using X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy: A Step Toward Greater Precision in Historical Studies
الموضوعات :
Mahdi Hajivaliei
1
,
Sharareh-Sadat Mirsafdari
2
1 - Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
الکلمات المفتاحية: X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Timurid coins, Interdisciplinary Studies, numismatics, Elemental Composition of Coins,
ملخص المقالة :
Timurid coins serve as a mirror reflecting the significant economic and political events of the era, and their study can provide deeper insights into the economic and social dynamics of the Timurid period. This research examines the Timurid coins housed in the Museum of Bu-Ali Sina Mausoleum using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. A specialized review of the initial results obtained from XRF spectroscopy, particularly in numismatic studies, holds significant importance and can be a fundamental step toward reducing errors and enhancing precision in interdisciplinary analyses. XRF technology, as a non-destructive method, enables precise examination of the chemical composition and identification of elements present in coins. However, without meticulous monitoring and comprehensive reevaluation of the obtained results, misinterpretations and uncertainty in historical analyses may arise. The research questions focus on the value of reinterpreting and analyzing XRF spectroscopy data and their role in identifying counterfeit coins and understanding economic and cultural characteristics in numismatic studies. The central hypothesis of the study posits that raw XRF spectroscopy data do not provide accurate results, and in-depth analysis by experts is required for a precise examination of coins. This research also highlights the importance of detailed spectrum analysis, technical challenges in data interpretation, and the use of interdisciplinary approaches to enhance the accuracy of results. The findings reveal that a more profound reinterpretation of XRF spectroscopy data significantly contributes to better understanding the chemical composition of coins and preserving cultural heritage treasures. It also provides deeper insights into the economic policies and activities of the Timurid period.
Casas, J.S. and Sordo, J., 2006. An overview of the historical importance, occurrence, isolation, properties and applications of lead. Lead, pp.1-40.
Civici, N., Gjongecaj, S., Stamati, F., Dilo, T., Pavlidou, E., Polychroniadis, E.K. and Smit, Z., 2007. Compositional study of IIIrd century BC silver coins from Kreshpan hoard (Albania) using EDXRF spectrometry. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, 258(2), pp.414-420.
Constantinescu, B., Săşianu, A. and Bugoi, R., 2003. Adulterations in first century BC: the case of Greek silver drachmae analyzed by X-ray methods. Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy, 58(4), pp.759-765.
Hajivaliei, M., & Nadooshan, F. K. 2012. Compositional study of Parthian silver coins using PIXE technique. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, 289, 56-58, DOI:10.1016/j.nimb.2012.07.039.
Hajivaliei, M., Mohammadifar, Y., Mirsafdari, S., & Chahardoli, A. 2022. Study of 74 Ilkhanid Coins of Hamadan Museum Belonging to Abu Sa’id Government (Minted in Hamadan, Tabriz, and Soltanieh) Using X-ray Fluorescence Method. Pazhoheshha-ye Bastan shenasi Iran, 12(34), 271-293, DOI:10.22084/nb.2021.21414.2115.
Kakuee, O., Montazer Zohouri, M., Abedi, A., Biganeh, A., Fathollahi, V., Mesbahi, S., et al. (2022). Analytical Archeometry: Facilities and Research Opportunities. Parseh J Archaeol Stud, 6(20), 345-372. DOI:10.30699/PJAS.6.20.345.
Hajivaliei, M., Mohammadifar, Y., et al. 2008. Application of PIXE to study ancient Iranian silver coins. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B, 266, 1578-1582, DOI: 10.1016/j.nimb.2007.12.101.
Hajivaliei M. and Sodaee B. 2016. Application of WDXRF Spectrometry to Study the Sassanian Silver Coins. Pazhoheshha-ye Bastan shenasi Iran 5 (9), 163-174.
Salehi M. and Hajivaliei M. 2016. Analysis of Eco-political Conditions of Parthians (43-208 AD) According to PIXE Study of Silver Coins of Khausro II and Gotarzes II Struck in Ecbatana Mint House, Journal of Historical Sociology, 7(3), 301-315.
Mirahkorloo, N., & Sharafi, M. 2022. Coinage System and Money Exchanges in Timurid Dynasty (With an emphasis on the eastern territory of Iran). History of Islam and Iran, 32(53), 151-179.DOI: 10.22051/HII.2021.34713.2405
Mirsafdari, S., & Hajivaliei, M. 2022. Structural study of Khosrow Parviz silver coins present in the museum of Bu Ali Sina tomb using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy method. Journal of Research on Archaeometry, 8(1), 155-170. DOI:10.52547/jra.8.1.155
Bragin, A. O., & Petrov, P. N. 2017. Timurid coins discovered in Dev-Kesken-Qala. Археология Евразийских степей, (6), 159-166.
Imtiaz Hanif, M. 1998. X-RAY Fluorescence (XRF) Spectroscopic Studies of Elements in Refractory Materials: Soils, Alloys, and Nuclear Wastes (Doctoral dissertation, UNIVERSITY OF PUNJAB, Pakistan).
Geimer-Breitenstein, L., Schön, J., Schubert, M.C. and Warta, W., 2013. Impact of iron surface contamination on the lifetime degradation of samples passivated by fired Al₂O₃/SiNₓ stacks. IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, 3(3), pp.957–961. DOI: 10.1109/JPHOTOV.2013.2259895.
Karathanasis, A. D., & Hajek, B. F. 1996. Elemental analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. In Methods of Soil Analysis: Part 3 Chemical Methods, 5, 161-223, DOI:10.2136/sssabookser5.3.c7.
Mantouvalou, I., et al. 2014. Reconstruction of Confocal Micro-X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy Depth Scans Obtained with a Laboratory Setup. Anal. Chem., 86(19), 9774–9780, DOI:10.1021/ac502342t.
Min, Y., Wang, D., & Zhao, M. 2015. Element analysis based on energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, 2015, 1-7. DOI: 10.1155/2015/290593.
Oyedotun T.D.T. 2018 X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in the investigation of the composition of earth materials: a review and an overview. Geology, Ecology, and Landscapes, 2:2, 148-154, DOI: 10.1080/24749508.2018.1452459.
Weltje, G. J., & Tjallingii, R. 2008. Calibration of XRF core scanners for quantitative geochemical logging of sediment. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 9(5), 1-23, DOI:10.1029/2008GC001963.
