The dating of archaeological findings is typically done through various scientific techniques such as radiocarbon dating, thermoluminescence dating, or stratigraphic analysis. These methods help determine the age of artifacts based on their physical properties or the context in which they were found.
For ancient coins, numismatics, the study of coins and coinage, plays a crucial role in authenticating and dating them. Numismatists examine the coins' designs, inscriptions, metallurgy, and other characteristics to determine their origin and approximate date of production.
If the archaeologist in question has provided credible evidence supporting the dating of the gold coins to 46 BC, it would be a significant discovery. However, it's essential to approach such claims with skepticism and ensure that they have undergone rigorous scrutiny by other experts in the field. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and any announcement of this nature should be backed by substantial research and peer review.