Interdisciplinary study of 13th century silver coins of the Juchid (based on the materials of the Burundukovsky hoard, Tatarstan, Russia)

Abstract

This work represents an interdisciplinary study of archaeological silver coins discovered in the territory of Burunduki village located in the Tatarstan Republic (Russia). The coins were minted in the 13th century in Bolgar (Volga Bolgaria) during the rule of the Juchid dynasty (the Golden Horde). The silver-containing numismatic material was studied using three analytical methods: X-ray fluorescence analysis, emission spectroscopy and scanning electron and optical microscopy. Surfaces of coin fractures were studied in order to determine the inner structure. The results of this study demonstrated that fracture mapping corresponds to physical processes occurring during pressure processing. As a result, local material was clearly classified into two groups in terms of the chemical composition and manufacturing technique.