An approach to the metallic composition of the Carthage mint coins from the tetrarchic hoard of Tomares (CA. 312 CE)

Abstract

A group of 533 nummi from to the Tomares hoard, found in Seville in 2016, has been studied to characterize their metallic composition. The coins selected were struck in the mint of Carthage between AD 297 and 307. The statistical analysis of the non-destructive XRF data increase our understanding of a mint which has been paid less attention that others to date, in both material and historical terms. No differences in the composition of the coins were detected; i.e. the same alloy was used in all four of the mint's officinae. However, coins minted at the beginning of the first tetrarchy were found to present higher concentrations of silver.