The Compositional Study of Qajar Silver Coins Using PIXE Technique; Case Study of Coins of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar of Tabriz Mint

The study of the elemental composition of silver coins minted in the Tabriz during the Qajar period can help to investigate the socio-economic situation of that period. In this case study, Proton- Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) analytical technique has been applied to twenty-eight Qajar silver coins selected from a private collection. the purpose was to study and investigate the changes in silver elements in Qirans of Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar in Tabriz mint. The metallic elements Ag, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Au were observed. The results show that the content of Ag the main constituent of the coins varies from ۹۰.۰۷ to ۸۲.۸۸%. this significant variation in the content of the major constituent reveals the economic difficulties encountered by the dynasty. The results, which are shown by using the PIXE technique, brought to light valuable information about the economy of the period under study.

Keywords:

Silver Coin , Qajar , Naser al-Din Shah , PIXE Analysis