From this study the following conclusions may be drawn. First,
the analysed Greek silver coins have a very high fineness (they are
composed by almost pure Ag, being the average content around
98.32%). Most of the drachmae have a concentration of lead below
0.5%, indicating a good silver refining process. Second, EDXRF analysis
exhibits a great uniformity of the elemental chemistry of its alloys
during more than three centuries. No significant variations
were found between the Ag concentration in the different minting
periods and the principal component analysis of minor and trace
elements did not show a clear difference between those periods.
This regularity in the composition of the coins is clear evidence
that the Greek craftsmen knew very well the art of making coins.
Third, the non-destructive direct analyses of ancient coins by
means of EDXRF could be a very useful tool for the investigation
of alloys. The coins can be examined without applying any pretreatment
for a general screening, contributing to significant data
useful for historical explanations.