The metal of the coin: manufacture, characterisation of alloys and conservation-restoration
The metal of the coin: manufacture, characterisation of alloys and conservation-restoration
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22nd and 29th September, and 6th October, 2022, from 5.00 to 8.00pm
Activity free of charge
Metal constitutes the base material of coins and, therefore, knowledge about it is essential. The course offers a general approach to its metal content, from the conditioning factors of its manufacture to its physical preservation. In the first session, the diversity of possible origins of the metal will be followed. The most common alloys used, numismatic terminology, and the various official manufacturing processes in mints, as well as counterfeiting in the hands of forgers throughout history, will also be presented.
In the second session, the opportunity will be offered to find out in a practical way about the instruments and the operation of non-destructive analysis techniques of metal alloys with X-ray techniques and the information they provide. Not only to determine the authenticity or falsity of the pieces but, above all, to know precisely the chemical composition of the coin and to observe variations in a wide series of the issuance of coins.
Finally, in the last session, attention will be paid to the study and care of metal stamping in order to preserve it. On the one hand, for the conservation of the pieces themselves in the best conditions in accordance with the criteria and protocols of preventive conservation. On the other hand, to deal with the various pathologies suffered by metals arising from archaeological contexts or located in inappropriate spaces and that require curative measures in the restoration process.
Programme
- Thursday 22nd September
From obtaining the metal to making the coin.
Albert Estrada-Rius, Numismatic Cabinet of Catalonia. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
- Thursday 29th September
The identification of the coined metal by non-destructive X-ray analysis.
Ignasi Queralt, Department of Geosciences, IDAEA/CSIC. Superior Council of Scientific Research
Gonzalo Oteo and Jaume Pascual, Fischer Instruments S.A.
- Thursday 6th October
From preventive conservation to curative intervention of metals.
Benoit de Tapol, Area of Restoration and Preventive conservation. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
Isabel Moreno, Conservation-restoration. Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya
Coordination: Dr. Albert Estrada-Rius, Chief conservator of the Numismatic Cabinet of Catalonia
Activity free of charge. Registration required.
The number of attendees to the Course will be limited by the capacity of the room and by the health recommendations in force at the time of the activity.
Enrolment entitles you to a certificate and you will be provided with informative material and notes on the topics covered.
If you are unable to come, please cancel your reservation so that someone on the waiting list can take advantage of the vacant places. Thank you very much!
