This lesson focuses on the role of pure copper in coinage. While copper has been historically important, its softness makes it unsuitable for most tools or coins without alloying. Typically, copper is combined with tin to form bronze or with zinc to create brass, both of which are stronger and more durable. Nevertheless, some coins have been minted in pure copper, offering valuable case studies for analysis.
Objectives
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Understand the limitations of pure copper as a coinage metal.
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Recognize the difference between pure copper coins and copper alloys.
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Analyze examples of historical copper coins using XRF spectroscopy.
Materials
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Two historical copper coins (3 cent. Napoleon’s Kingdom of Italy 1808, 1 cent. Kingdom of Sardinia 1826 ).
Lesson Plan
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Introduce copper as a soft but historically important metal.
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Compare pure copper with common alloys such as bronze and brass.
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Present two examples of pure copper coins:
