Archaeometallurgical and numismatic study of a 5 Pesetas Silver Coin from 1870

This archaeometallurgical article deals with the study of a Spanish silver coin whose value is 5 pesetas minted in 1870. The "duro" of the Provisional Government is one of the most emblematic coins of Spanish numismatics. The objective of this research was to metallographically study this piece that belongs to San Carlos Historical Fort Museum, located in the Valle de Uco in the province of Mendoza (Argentina). The study was carried out completely on site, that is to say in the Museum, beginning first with a gentle cleaning, images of the coin were taken, then hardness measurements were carried out with a portable durometer and chemical composition analysis with an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer portable (p-XRF). Finally, the metallographic structure was observed using the portable microscope. In addition, from all the technical data, an important contribution to the Museum Institution is made with this research by verifying the authenticity of the contemporary historical piece through the use of numismatic catalogs and expert advice, the coin is currently archived, and from from now on it can be exhibited in its rooms to the public with reliable data.

Keywords: Silver coin, Metallography, Peseta, Cleaning, Conservation.