Samuel Parkes’ lost analyses of Roman Imperial Brass coins

Abstract

Samuel Parkes’ notable early contribution (1826) to the knowledge of the composition of base metal alloys of the Roman Imperial coinage has been overlooked in all the relevant works of reference. His work surpassed in extent and equalled in reliability subsequent investigations of the next 50 or more years. The present account and evaluation of Parkes’ efforts is intended to restore his achievement to its rightful place in the history of the chemical analysis of archaeological and numismatic objects.