Economic rebound versus imperial monopoly: Metal provenance of Early Medieval coins (9th–11th centuries) from some Italian and French mints
Laura Chiarantini|Igor M. Villa|Vanessa Volpi|Giovanna Bianchi|Marco Benvenuti|Cristina Cicali|Alessandro Donati|Rosarosa Manca|R. Hodges
This paper represents the first systematic Pb isotope investigation of Italian Medieval coins and aims to provide new parameters for a general historical interpretation coin production circulation in Europe. We collected more than one hundred specimens, minted period between 9th − 14th centuries AD coming mostly from archaeological sites Tuscany. Here we report results on oldest group (44) coins, dated end 11th centuries. All where previously characterized with handheld X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis lead composition (PbIC) was performed using an MC-ICP-Mass Spectrometer. The Carolingian have PbIC compatible Melle silver district; few possibly Italy (Venice Milan) are also ore districts such as Harz Mountains. Coins names rulers (9th-10th century) Lucca, Pavia other uncertain mints show Melle, Black Forest Mountains well. A quite similar pattern applies Otto I-III Conrad II (10th-11th Lucca mints, although they better overlap vast majority early medieval issued by investigated present compositions that do not match (lead-copper) mines Colline Metallifere district southern Tuscany, notwithstanding their exploitation considered is suggested many settlements located near mining sites.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports