228 pp., 8° brossura, 42 figure (16 a colori), XVII tavole, 7 tabelle, 169 monete, 2003, ISSN 1121-7472 ISBN 88-87235-33-3

SOMMARIO: Introduction - Silver-alloy coin production and analysis - Analysis - The material analysed - The regular silver coinage (The denarii - The devaluation of the denarius - The Syrian tetradrachms - The cast denarii assemblage) - Investigation and analysis (The silver-alloy material - Discussion of the assemblage of cast silver denarii - Denarii production and circulation - The copper-alloy material - Discussion of the assemblage in context - Discussion of the analyses) - Conclusions - Glossary - Analytical data - Catalogue of analyzed denarii and tetradrachms (Roman and Eastern denarii - Cast denarii-copper and base metal alloy - Coins of Caesarea in Cappadocia - Provincial tetradrachms) - Appendices (Assemblage of cast Severan denarii - Graffiti on Provincial tetradrachms) - Bibliography and abbreviations (Bibliography - Abbreviations) - Figures (nos. 1-42) - Plates (nos. I-XVII).

A representative selection of Roman silver coinage covering the reign of Septimus Severus and his family (193-211 AD) was analysed by a selection of complementary scientific techniques. Bulk chemical analysis (AAS and ICP-AES) was complemented by detailed structural study by SEM-EDS and optical microscopy. A comprehensive and uniquely accurate picture of silver standards was obtained for both the denarius coinage and Syrian and Cappadocian provincial issues. Trace elements allowed for the issues of Rome and Eastern mints to be accurately attributed and minting procedures and alloying policies to be discussed in detail. The Roman technique for artificially enhancing the silvery appearance and silver content of a coins surface is investigated and its effect on analyses discussed. This publication presents the most up-to-date and detailed scientific and numismatic study of the silver coinage of this crucial period of Roman monetary history.