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 Replies: 9 / Views: 2,065 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
500 Posts |
I'll admit I'm no expert on ancient coins, but then that's why I'm asking the guys that are. I've had this for a while and when I looked closer at it, it almost looks copper plated with a rotting core, is this normal for these coins? Note: The entire coin is the color shown in the third picture, the color of the first two is from the lighting.    Edited by Dasaki
10/06/2013 02:46 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
582 Posts |
The coin is real, faustina is a common coin and a copy like this is not worth much... I do think it was coated in something to look like silver.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
500 Posts |
It's not silver, the coin is the color of the third picture, that was the lighting.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
4208 Posts |
Its real and its in a bad way. Its suffering bronze disease or something akin to that - the bronze beneath the surface is being eaten away at whilst the patina remains. The weak surface under the patina seems to be giving way and breaking the patina a bit. I recommend you whack it in the oven for a bit on low temperature and then wax it/lacquer it.
The coin itself looks like a Sestertius or an As, depending on size (at this thickness I assume its a Sestertius).
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
You do not say what denomination it is, but like BenByfield, I will assume it is a sestertius or an assarion. How much does it weigh?
It seems that the surface has survived better than the core.
Where the surface has been penetrated, it seems that the core has already started to degrade.
I would find it hard to decide it is a fake, because there would be very little profit in marketing a coin in such poor condition.
Most metals are capable of lamination (and hence BFO* as seen here in places) during corrosion, given the right conditions.
*BFO:- Bits Falling Off - can happen to old people as well!
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
946 Posts |
Um, this appears to be an AE, so "it almost looks copper plated with a rotting core" is because it is made from a Copper Alloy. I'm guessing this is of the As(sarius) denomination.
I'm also guessing it was a metal detecting / site find and so has been "roughed up" in the ground for 1,872 years at most, it being the posthumous issue for Faustina the Elder who died in 141 A.D.
Also keep in mind that large AE coins remained in circulation at least until the coin reforms of Aurelian in around 274 A.D. so this coin could have had circulation wear of up to 133 years.
To the left side of the coin you can see the "mark" wear the Sprue was cut of, as the coin was one of dozens (at least) cast as a set, as a blank Flan, then each one was cut of and then struck.
Yes, there is a lot of history in the coin, I do not think it wise to pick at it as it will damage the Patina.
So that coin could have had at least
Edited by Masis
10/06/2013 09:23 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
500 Posts |
Ah sorry, as I said I'm not an expert in stuff this old, going by what was written in the note it was sent with, it is an AE Sestertius.
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
It's a shame that this coin has suffered so much damage. There really isn't much you can do to preserve it other than possibly waxing it and putting it in a 2x2.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
500 Posts |
Is beeswax an acceptable method? My mom has blocks of it in a cabinet where she used to use it for crafts.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Not really, it's too thick. Renwax is the best.
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Replies: 9 / Views: 2,065 |
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Posted 10/06/2013 02:43 am
