Miscellanies. 159 



oclesian, is of very pure metal, much purer than those of his prede- 

 cessors, although the silver of which they were formed, was brought 

 chiefly from the Spanish mines ; before his reign both copper and 

 brass, in variable, but large quantity, were melted up with the silver. 

 Even the less valuable metals w^ere subject to much adulteration ; 

 the small brass coins contain arsenic, along with unknown metals, 

 this alloy sometimes replaced the cyprian copper, in the smaller di- 

 vision of the as. In the larger sort, as the dupordearii, we find it 

 nearly a pure alloy of copper and zinc. No iron coins are extant, 

 but it is said Spartan money was made of that metal. The tin coins 

 of Dionysius are likewise wanting, but the leaden money of Arme- 

 nia, is occasionally met with. 



Besides, alloyed coins, such as electrum and brass, there was 

 another species of medals, as the Follis of Dioclesian, which was of 

 copper or tombac washed over with silver or tin. Ancient plated 

 coins are by no m.eans uncommon. 



The composition of the alloys mentioned here, is given on the 

 authority of antiquarians, not chemists. Indeed, hitherto there have 

 been few or no analyses of ancient money, the nature of these com- 

 pounds is only guessed at, and that by those, who were not perhaps, 

 competent judges of the matter. Except an analysis of a gold coin 

 of Vespatian, by the Parisian goldsmiths, and some few by European 

 connoisseurs, I know of none that can be depended on — there can 

 however, be no doubt, that an extended enquiry would result in the 

 discovery of new facts. Impressed with this view, an English gen- 

 tleman commenced a collection. His casket, which is contained in a 

 silver vase, consists of about two hundred and fifty specimens, embra- 

 cing coins of every age, and many countries. Its value is about one 

 thousand dollars. On his decease, it was committed to my charge, 

 by his representatives, to be disposed of for the benefit of his fami- 

 ly. I have thought that the testators original views might in a man- 

 ner be gratified, and the interest of his legatees likewise consulted, 

 by pubhshing an account of such of these coins as have been assay- 

 ed. The collection, I hope will fall into the hands of those who are 

 willing to follow out the original views of the collector. If purcha- 

 sed by any of our colleges or public institutions, it will lose none of 

 its value, if each coin intended for analysis, is clipped in halves, and 

 duly registered or sulphur casts taken. 



A silver coin of the Emperor Domitian weighing 48f i grains was 

 cupelled, the resulting button weighed 39 grains, it was very good 



