An Archeology Study of the Identification of Ilkhanid Coins (A Case Study of Abu Zaid Ilkhani's Golden Coins Discovered from Tabriz Jame Mosque in the National Museum of Iran)

Coins are amongst the most recognized and protected data in archaeological research. For this very reason, they are used as a basis for detailed analytical and methodical research to resolve existing uncertainties related to historical periods. In this research, 25 coins out of a collection of 105 gold coins stored in the National Museum from Tabriz Grand (Jame) Mosque belonging to the 7th century AH. were selected and studied that belonged to the reign of Abu Saeed Bahadur Ilkhani. Based on the methodical research of numismatics, in order to obtain the political, cultural, artistic and economic historical data, detailed documentation, weighting and surface examination of the coins were first performed. Afterwards the symbolic and non-symbolic signs and patterns of the coins were identified. In the final stage, in order to obtain the type of metal that was used in the coins (Their elemental basis), three samples of the coins were selected, after which their mints and weights were determined and they were hencewworth subjected to an elemental decomposition (PIXI) test in the Iranian Atomic Energy Laboratory and Endograph. The most accurate laboratory tests were conducted in order to obtain the data from the elemental analysis of the tested samples, after the tests were concluded  statistical analysis was used on the metal impurities measured in the coins. Based on the investigations and examinations of the surface of the coins as well as the archaeological studies of the internal structure which includes the elemental analysis of metal of the coins, The coins were subsequently categorized and separated from each other. It is important to note that the historical, economic, geographical, artistic and political factors were considered in all stages.