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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,195 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2368 Posts |
Hey all. So my birthday is coming up and I've chosen three Roman coins for possible gifts. One of them will be bought at random so it's a surprise. Here are my choices. I have a question about each of them. #1: Licinius I. My question is, are the green areas on the surfaces something to be concerned about? Here's the coin: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Licinius-I-...em3ce9ba621d#2. Probus. Is it normal for a silvered antoninianus like this one to have some small brownish-red spots showing through? Link below. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Probus-Silv...em58b728adca#3. Constantine II. Is the porosity of the obverse BD scarring or just regular corrosion? Here it is. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Constantine...em58b7a37ebfSorry to be asking so many questions, I'm a total noob in this field of collecting.  Thanks in advance! Edited by wheatchaser140
11/04/2014 1:42 pm
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
They are all nice coins. No corrosion problem with any of them. Out of the three I like the Probus the best, it still has most of it's silvering left which is always a plus on this coin type. The only issue with this coin is the flan crack, it's not bad though.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2368 Posts |
Thanks E! I did like that Probus. Flan cracks don't scare me, only bronze disease (shudder).  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
711 Posts |
I would pass on #1 but like #2 and #3. Not sure what is up with that green but it is the clear #3 of 3 to my eye. Not an ancient collector (yet), but those seem priced right honestly. I hate ebay buy it now pricing though. To me that says that nobody in the entire world has decided to pay that much and I am leaning into that fastball face first. Can't imagine ever wishing I had my $35 back instead of any of these three coins though really. |
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Pillar of the Community
3772 Posts |
Quote:
Flan cracks don't scare me, only bronze disease In that case better stay away from number 1 and number 3, under magnification the Constantine II shows signs of it and the Licinius I has some spots near the rim in the lettering on both sides. The Probus is a nice coin, so keep it as an option - hope you find others to replace the other two. Edited by Medieval
11/04/2014 6:01 pm
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Granted my eyes aren't that great any more but honestly I do not see any signs of active Bronze Disease on coins 1 or 3.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2368 Posts |
Quote:
In that case better stay away from number 1 and number 3, under magnification the Constantine II shows strong signs of it and the Licinius I has some spots near the rim in the lettering on both sides.  Really? How can you tell? I had a thread asking about the less obvious signs of BD yesterday. |
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Pillar of the Community
3772 Posts |
The 'strong' was incorrect for the Constantine II but have a close look at the face and inside the gate - the coin has been cleaned/treated, so whatever is there is not active atm but the signs are there. The Licinus though has quite a few spots where it could become active if not treated.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
I see what your saying about the Licinus, but to me it looks more like green toning than BD. I also see some green tone inside the gate of the CII but again IMO just toning. Either way the Probus is the best bet.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2368 Posts |
I have officially decided on the Probus! Thank you all for your help.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2368 Posts |
I ordered the Probus yesterday. I'm thinking the weakness on the obverse and reverse are caused by a tilted die, after looking at this source: http://www.calgarycoin.com/referenc...g/strike.htmAlso, I noticed that there are rust-colored spots on the obverse, and some red is showing on the high points on the design on the reverse. What causes this? |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,195 |
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Posted 11/04/2014 2:23 pm
