Metal Craft Production Techniques for an Ancient Chinese Coin Named Ittou Manufactured in the Shin Period of Ancient China

Abstract

The metal craft production techniques for an ancient Chinese coin named Ittou in the Shin period of ancient China were studied from material science viewpoints. This cultural artefact was manufactured in the Shin period of ancient China. An infrared image shows the surface state and the materials absorbed on the surface. According to infrared images of the cultural artefact, roughness on the surface of this coin was created on cooling during mintage. UV-fluorescence images show luminescence at corrosion products and yellow soil. In X-ray transmission images, some voids in this coin were observed, indicating the metal craft production technique used during this period. The main element of this cultural artefact is Cu and other elements are Sn and Pb. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate the presence of Cu-Sn base intermetallic compounds. Ittou coins are made from bronze. The characters on the coins were formed using an inlay technique called zougan. Yellow soil adhered to the surface of the examined coin from where it was excavated. The material used to form the characters on the coin is 10 mass％ Cu-Au alloy, and flaws were observed on the surface of the characters. The compositions of ancient Kan coins produced between the east Kan and west Kan periods were also analyzed. The composition of these ancient coins was the same as that of the coin from the Shin period of old China, indicating that the same metal craft production technique was used in both periods. These techniques were improved in this period, enabling many coins to be manufactured.