Determinaticn of Silver in Ancient and Rare Coins by Neutron Activation Analysis with 252-Californium

A low-flux, 252-californium neutron source has been employed for the radioactivation of silver in ancient and rare coins. By careful control of the activation time and cooling period, a high degree of selectivity for silver was achieved. Data were normalized to compensate for self-shielding by employing empirical correction factors. Nondestructive measurements of the silver contents of coins having historical or numismatic value was possible.