Theodosius II’s solidus from Prełuki, Sanok County in material and traseological examinations

The aim of the analysis of Theodosius’ II solid was to determine the chemical compounds of the coin alloy and to conduct a traseological analysis. The results show that the fineness of gold of which the coin was made was very high (obverse: 99,16% which means 23,8 karat gold and reverse of 99,20% which constitutes for the 23,81 karat gold), and the alloy metal was silver (0,65% and 0,62%). Traseological analysis has shown, that the hole in the lower part of the obverse, 2,1 mm in the diameter, was drilled with a very sharp, narrow, conical tool, the marks of which are still visible on the inside of the hole. Also, some traces of work concerning the coin’s die have been spotted. The engraving of the die was done gradually. Traces of consequent scratching with a graver are well visible both on the obverse and reverse. The character of places where sharp edges framing letters and some images are preserved serve proof of those being prepared with the use of a narrow, triangular-ended graver. All this suggests, that the maker of the die had a developed set of technical and artistic skills.