Correlative analysis of advanced microscopy techniques for metallography and corrosion microstructures of bronze phoenician coins

Correlative microscopy stands out for its ability to concurrently acquire and analyze various data types in a multimodal and multiscale environment, enabling precise localization of specific areas within samples and enhancing the accuracy and relevance of analyses. This approach showed promise in revealing the metallurgical history of ancient coins. This article focused on the composition, microstructure, and manufacturing process of Phoenician-Punic copper-based alloy coins (5th–4th century BCE). The four coins studied by correlative light and electron microscopy, μ-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray Microscopy exhibited notable differences in terms of elemental composition and microstructures. These variations are attributed to their origin from casting, followed by striking, and subsequent recrystallization due to a more intricate corrosion process. • Correlative microscopy is applied to investigate copper-based alloy coins. • XRM enabled visualization of previously obscured reliefs on coins surface. • XRM provided valuable insights into the type of casting and the amount of lead. • Each coin displayed distinctive morphologies of dendritic patterns. • α + δ is preferentially corroded in the presence of chlorine-rich environment.