§ OF THE METALS OF WHICH COINS ARE COMPOSED.
The coins of the ancients were of various metals, of which the following need only be specified.
1. Gold, distinguished in numismatic works by the abbreviation
(for aurum).
2. Electrum, a compound of gold and silver. EL.
3. Silver. AR (argentum).
4. Billon and Potin, alloys of silver and bronze. Bil. and Pot.
5. Bronze. Copper with a percentage of tin. Æ (æs).