The use of computed tomography for the study of archaeological coins. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miles, James; Mavrogordato, Mark; Sinclair, Ian; Hinton, David; Boardman, Richard; Earl, Graeme
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 6(2016)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Roman -- Coin hoard -- Computed tomography -- 3D imaging; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2016.01.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Abstract: Computed tomography enables non-destructive three-dimensional densitometric information of the internal structure and external geometry of many archaeological artefacts to be acquired. This paper uses work completed by the μ-VIS X-ray Imaging Centre at the University of Southampton to illustrate how computed tomography can be used to accurately record surface and sub-surface data of intact coin hoards contained within pots. An examination of coin placement, coin identification and segmentation and extraction of individual coins for use within a virtual environment are presented. Computed tomography used in this way will enable numismatists to identify otherwise hidden coins, and to visualise, share and archive coin data. Highlights: Data has a maximum resolution of 131.3 microns Virtual identification of 201 coins 50% of the coins analysed were identifiable before excavation Introduction of Virtual RTI led to the identification of coin inscriptions previously missed Aided conservation of coins when excavated