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 Replies: 55 / Views: 4,476 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
I seem to remember that gold melted at around 1900 degrees
Silver melted at around 1800 degrees
Alloy the two ?
For some reason I recall 2100 degrees
Alloys do not work like simple math
Add lead to clean bronze (up to a point) and it gets harder not softer.
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Pillar of the Community
Italy
1790 Posts |
You are in the green with your theory FR , just don't start claiming " it was Aliens" who struck these coins. ( history channel joke) .
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
Cold bronze is much harder than either pure tin or pure copper.
The MELTING point of 18K gold / silver is 1810 deg. C.
For 14K it is 1765 deg. C.,
for 10K it is 1580 deg. C.
Pure gold has a melting point of only 1063 deg. C.; that of pure silver only 960 deg. C.
The paste range is variable, but dependent on the proportions of concentrations of the metals in the alloy.
Edited by sel_69l
01/22/2015 7:05 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
I have no doubt that the blanks were in a 'soft' state. But soft is a relative term and the striking of the planchet hardens the metal. I believe the Ptolemaic bronzes are essentially copper with small traces of other metals. Even small trace elements can give big results.
But I also believe these coins were a prestige type coin (muy macho) intended to impress. Nobody would walk around with these in tow. Your toga would end up around your ankles.
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Pillar of the Community
Italy
1790 Posts |
"But I also believe these coins were a prestige type coin (muy macho) intended to impress. Nobody would walk around with these in tow. Your toga would end up around your ankles." That brings into question why are they so common if they were a commemorative piece ( compare to the Miliarense , which will break the bank for a decent example) Asking this as a student of History with no intent to offend just the intent to learn.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
Poor mans bullion. I believe they are 'so very common' because they were ideal for "rat holing" away.
Most people prefer to fold up the $100 and tuck it into a safe place and spend the tens instead.
Similar to late Roman gold coins many of the big Ptolemys are in VF or better condition. The reason being they did not get used very much. Money in the bank so to speak.
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Pillar of the Community
Italy
1790 Posts |
Very good theory . Do we have any idea what one of these would buy ? And also if these were not used for every day commerce what was ?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
They did mint little ones too !   Off the top of my head I believe it is around 20mm |
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Pillar of the Community
Italy
1790 Posts |
 Wow ! What is that an obol ? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
I suppose it is. I bought it long long ago. When I would go to the Boston Shows if I could not find a Roman Imperial that suited my mood I would look for some 'token' to satisfy my itch. Can't leave a big show empty handed !
I have no idea what I paid back then but I am sure it was under $30. If you have patience decent Ptolemy's can still be found for under $50.
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Pillar of the Community
Italy
1790 Posts |
Very nice coin !
Sorry to pester you , but why don't you have an avatar ? I know it is silly but curiosity killed the coin collector.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
BTW I finally took my own advice and went shopping over at Lucernae. Made a few offers on some 'semi cleaned' which were accepted and on top of that ebay offered a ten percent off 'code' which I used. When they come in I will be posting them. |
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Pillar of the Community
Italy
1790 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
I will work on that avatar thing.
Not particularly savvy with these thangs. I used to use the Augustus denarius but could not figure out how to upload my own.
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Pillar of the Community
Italy
1790 Posts |
Echizento can help you there . I think a nice green patina Drusus Sestertius or one of his Denarii would fit you very well  |
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Replies: 55 / Views: 4,476 |
First Page
Posted 01/22/2015 6:33 pm
