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XIAN, China, Oct 20, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A new magnetic scan of a former Chinese emperor's tomb reveals what is thought to be a large number of coins, but experts urge caution on excavating.
Chinese and German archaeologists used a magnetic scan on Emperor Qin's mausoleum that showed even more details of the tomb and what the Xinhua news agency called "a remarkable amount of coins."
Qin ruled China from 221 to 210 B.C. and is buried in a tomb underneath a burial mount near the former capital Xian.
The BBC reports Michael Petzet, president of the International Council on Monuments and Sites Coins said the coins -- most of which are probably bronze, and some of which are silver -- are extremely fragile.
He said the archaeologists should figure out how to protect the coins before they try to excavate the tomb.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2005 by United Press International
