Analysis of a series of medieval Korean coins via energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy

CHED 280

Hana Attar, attarhm@students.udmercy.edu, Jennifer Shango, and Mark A Benvenuto, benvenma@udmercy.edu. Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit, MI 48219
The compositions of eighty-eight medieval Korean coins were analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). Each sample is a round coin with a square, central hole, four similar characters on the head side, and three characters on the tail side. The entire sample set was run twice on both head and tail sides. The compositions of each of the coins varied, with copper being the element usually present in greatest amount, followed closely by lead and zinc. Trace amounts of antimony, tin, iron, and silver were also found. The findings are presented and discussed.