The roman silver coin assemblage from the Frontovoye 3 necropolis tomb 3 (Southwestern Crimea): investigation of metal by means of X-ray spectroscopy and Pb isotopic analysis

The article presents the results of investigation of a group of Roman silver coins from the excavations of the Frontovoye 3 burial ground (the Southwestern Crimea). Seven coins of Septimius Severus, Plautilla, Gordian III, and Philip I, struck in the mint of Rome, were discovered in tomb 3. Data on the metal composition of these coins are compared with the results of analysis of other Roman coins of this period. The Pb isotopic analysis of the Roman silver coins from Frontovoye 3 and the denarii from the excavations at Gorgippia shows that the stratiform silver-polymetallic deposits of the Massif Central in France was the most likely source of silver for mintage of Roman coins found in the North Pontic Region.