First of all, I very much want to object to the term "crystallisation". Silver coins are Cu-Ag alloys unless you count elektron as a silver alloy, in which case it is Ag-Au.
It is probably possible to produce noncrystalline Ag-Cu and Ag-Au allkoys using modern technology, but it is not easy. NO COINS EVER MASS PRODUCED OF AN ALLOY COMPOSED PRIMARILY OF SILVER WERE EVER COMPOSED TO A SIGNIFICANT DEGREE OF NONCRYSTALLINE MATERIAL.
>>> "James A. Schell" <[log in to unmask]> 10/04 11:50 AM >>>
To all:
Once again the topic of crystallization in ancient silver coins has
arisen on NUMISM-L. Several posts discuss the nature and timing of this
transition, but all are tentative and lack references. Could I prevail on
some list member or members to provide a definitive explanation of this
phenomenon? I would ask in advance that I be allowed to post all
responses to NUMISM-L. Alternatively, if there is a commonly available
reference which addresses this issue, please point me to it. TIA.
Jim Schell
[log in to unmask]
voice: 573-474-9228
fax: 573-474-0389
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