This lesson focuses on nickel in coinage. While nickel is widely used in alloys such as stainless steel, coins made of pure nickel are relatively rare. Nickel is one of the few ferromagnetic elements, along with iron and cobalt, which makes it easy to identify in coins just using a magnet.
Objectives
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Understand the role of nickel in coin production.
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Recognize the difference between pure nickel and nickel-containing alloys.
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Identify the ferromagnetic properties of nickel and their use in coin identification.
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Analyze case studies of coins made of pure nickel using XRF spectroscopy.
Materials
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Samples of coins containing nickel (e.g., 1/2 Lek from Albania, 5 Drachma from Greece, both dated 1930).
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Small reference cubes of iron, cobalt, and nickel.
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Magnet.
Lesson Plan
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Introduce nickel as a coin metal and contrast its role in alloys such as stainless steel.
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Demonstrate ferromagnetism with iron, cobalt, and nickel cubes.
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Compare magnetic response of coins to identify nickel-containing examples.
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Present XRF spectra of the Albanian 1/2 Lek and Greek 5 Drachma to confirm pure nickel composition.
To reinforce the concepts discussed here, we also provide a video lesson that visually walks through the key points of this topic. Watching the video alongside the text can help you better understand and apply these ideas in practice.
The course XRF Spectroscopy for Art Examination introduces conservators, art historians, and scientists with interest in Art to the principles and practical applications of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy in the examination of artworks. The course starts with basic principles of XRF and gradually explores its role in identifying materials and methods used in the creation and conservation of art.
Course Objectives
- Understand the fundamentals of XRF spectroscopy and how it applies to the analysis of art.
- Learn the key features and limitations of XRF for examining art and archaeology.
- Gain skills in interpreting XRF spectra to identify specific elements in paint layers, inks and metals.
