Unusual Coin? - Faustina II - Sestertius - Gold Dipped ?

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Author	Replies: 5 / Views: 2,067
Topcat7 Pillar of the Community 1121 Posts	Posted 08/17/2015 02:46 am I recently acquired a 'Sestertius' that I believe to be of Faustina II, (Junior) AE31 mm., 22.5 gm. Obv: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right. Rev: HILARITAS S-C, Hilaritas standing left, holding long palm and cornucopiae. S and C in both fields. RIC 1642, Sear 5275 However, my example appears to have been 'Gold Dipped'.(See photos). While I am aware that some bronze coins were 'dipped' in silver (Antoninianus' etc.) I have not heard of dipping in gold. Can anyone tell me if this was a practice carried out by the 'Ancients'?, and if so, is there another attribution that I should be using? Also, where might I find out more information, please? Report this Post to the Staff

Athalbert Pillar of the Community Spain 629 Posts	Posted 08/17/2015 02:56 am Sometimes this was done during the middle age, to use the coin as a protective medal, to be sold as a "saint" medal. Others to use it as a cheap jewel... It´s very difficult to say what was the reason to do this and when... Report this Post to the Staff
Ben Pillar of the Community United Kingdom 4208 Posts	Posted 08/17/2015 04:18 am Are you sure its dipped in gold? Orichalcum got its name from its similarity to gold - you may be looking at the result of a splash of an acidic liquid onto the coin. Id try to tone it - if you boil an egg and sit the coin next to it in a sealed container, it will quickly tone (obviously the gold should be unaffected). This will deposit some sulphur on it, so remember to rinse with distilled water afterwards (I'd dip first in a bicarb solution and then rinse with the distilled water). Report this Post to the Staff
tenbobbit Pillar of the Community United Kingdom 701 Posts	Posted 08/17/2015 10:55 am I hear you TC, I have a couple myself, this one had me scratching my head for a while - Severus Alexander. My first thought was that it had been sprayed Possibly acid stripped ? Report this Post to the Staff
echizento Moderator United States 23731 Posts	Posted 08/17/2015 1:05 pm Tenbobbit I have one of those that looks exactly the same as yours. I think this is cause by over cleaning by chemicals. Report this Post to the Staff
Topcat7 Pillar of the Community 1121 Posts	Posted 08/17/2015 4:21 pm Mmmmmm. Very interesting! Not the answer that I was hoping for, but it is what it is. Thanks, Albert, but it does not look like I have one of those. (Bugger) @ Ben:- It looks like you were right on the money, Ben. I won't go to the lengths that you suggest. With coins I am very wary about going down roads that I have never travelled before, and I think that you are right without having to prove it. T.B., and Ron,:- well it is good to know that my coin is not alone. Thank-you, one and all. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 5 / Views: 2,067

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