Research on the Alloy Composition of Ancient Chinese Coins

Author: Zhou Weirong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: This book summarizes the author's achievements in analyzing and researching ancient coins from the perspectives of metallurgical history and numismatics since 1985. Based on archaeological samples and historical documents, it employs classical chemical analysis methods (Wet Method) to quantitatively analyze over 2,000 actual coins in chronological order from the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period to the Qing Dynasty (6th century BC—20th century), yielding over 10,000 sets of accurate data. On this foundation, the author systematically compares, summarizes, and synthesizes the alloy compositions of ancient coins, outlining the evolution trajectory and historical origins of Chinese ancient coin alloys, enabling readers to clearly understand the connotations and evolution patterns of alloy compositions in ancient Chinese coins. Meanwhile, the author introduces the concept of scientific quality in ancient Chinese coins and establishes a scientific assessment scheme for the quality of ancient coin alloys. Additionally, the author conducts a comprehensive examination and study of trace elements such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), silver (Ag), gold (Au), arsenic (As), and antimony (Sb) in ancient coins, exploring their sources and significance.