npj Heritage Science· 2026Q1
Laboratory investigation of a deformed 1834 William IV sixpence
- 2citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
A deformed 1834 sixpence shows severe mint-stage striking anomalies, with localized relief up to 750 micrometers, characterized by terraced deformation and overlapping compression structures, revealed by SEM-EDX and profilometry.
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Key points
- SEM-EDX identified an Ag-dominant silver-copper substrate in intact coin regions.
- Damaged regions showed reduced Ag, elevated Cu, and trapped contamination (C, O, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe).
- Profilometry documented localized relief displacement up to ~750 micrometers.
- Surface roughness in damaged zones measured Sa ~67 micrometers and Sq ~82 micrometers.
- Evidence suggests a severe mint-stage striking anomaly involving constrained compressive deformation.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Abstract Severe deformation in historic metal artefacts is not always resolvable by visual inspection alone. This study investigates a deformed 1834 William IV sixpence using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and optical surface profilometry. SEM-EDX spot analyses show an Ag-dominant silver-copper substrate in comparatively intact regions, while damaged regions show reduced Ag, elevated Cu, and C, O, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca and Fe consistent with contamination and corrosion products trapped in mechanically disturbed depressions. Profilometry documents localised relief displacement, terraced deformation, steep-sided troughs, raised shoulders and overlapping compression structures, with vertical relief variation up to approximately 750 micrometres and damaged-zone roughness of Sa approximately 67 micrometres and Sq approximately 82 micrometres. The combined evidence is most consistent with a severe mint-stage striking anomaly involving constrained compressive deformation.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. npj Heritage Science, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Archeology (Arts and Humanities)
ArcheologyArts and Humanities