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 Replies: 11 / Views: 1,609 |
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New Member
United Kingdom
23 Posts |
I have recently been given my fathers coin collection (I have never collected coins) - I have managed to identify most coins but struggle with the ancient coins. Could anyone help me with these coins I have scanned one which looks to be gold here, however there are quite a few more still to identify  *** Moved by Staff to a more appropriate forum. *** |
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New Member
 United Kingdom
23 Posts |
This looks like a silver Roman coin - how would I begin to identify it?  |
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
 to the community The coin does appear to be Ancient Roman, but there isn't enough details for me to say who it is. I'm going to move this over to the Ancient coin section I'm sure someone there will be able to help. |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
4208 Posts |
Top one looks around Caracalla/Geta/Elagabalus' time and is Brass, named Auricalcum by the romans, the Auri bit meaning 'Golden' because they too thought it looked like gold. The second one is a denarius of Commodus as Caesar, the reverse reading PRINC IVVENT (the young prince). A nice example - it may be worth checking the fake reports, but theres many things tyhere fakers wouldnt get right, so I reckon its fine. |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
946 Posts |
The 2nd is a superb Denarius of Commodus, like the example below:  http://www.coinarchives.com/a/lotvi...7f9b259844acYour example does not look to have been cleaned, and really does not need it or is the worse for not being cleaned. That example from coinarchives sold by Gitbud & Naumann auctions for 500 Euros on 1/12/2013. |
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New Member
United Kingdom
23 Posts |
Thank you for your help BenByfield - can I assume the same is for the second coin which also looks to be brass?   |
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New Member
United Kingdom
23 Posts |
Thank you for the help Masis, are you saying I should have it cleaned?
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
3626 Posts |
Dont clean any of them. The silver denarius is lovely, cleaning could spoil it.
There is a bit of an art to cleaning ancient coins. You have to be very careful and slow. You already have traces of brass showing through, there is nothing worse than an overcleaned coin.
If you think that the coins could be cleaner, do nothing more than soak in distilled or de-ionised water (NOT tap water) for a few days, then brush with a toothbrush.
Replace the distrilled or de-ionised water if it becomes cloudy, and repeat the process until you are happy. You don't want to destroy the patina.
Some people prefer to use olive oil to soak. There is plenty to read about cleaning on the internet. If you are unsure about something, post your questions here (a different thread for each coin) someone will help you.
And Welcome!
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New Member
United Kingdom
23 Posts |
Thank you for the advice Pishpash
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
946 Posts |
Hello Rob Quote:
Thank you for the help Masis, are you saying I should have it cleaned?~Rob08 Quote:
Your example does not look to have been cleaned, and really does not need it or is the worse for not being cleaned.~Masis So, no, I am not saying you should have it cleaned. |
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New Member
United Kingdom
23 Posts |
Thanks for the advice Masis
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
4208 Posts |
The other coin looks like it could be brass, its certainly not gold. Its of the emperor Trajan. Probably an As, but doesn't look big enough to be a Sestertius.
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Replies: 11 / Views: 1,609 |
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Posted 02/08/2014 12:29 pm
