| Author |
 Replies: 18 / Views: 2,873 |
|
Pillar of the Community
 Spain
2752 Posts |
Bought this coin for 6 euros completely encrusted with some others I'm working on now.This is the first coin I've cleaned...thoughts please?I really enjoyed doing this  Galerius 305-311 AE FOLLIS Heraclea (dia 25mm) OBV- IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMIANVS PF AVG Laureate head right REV- GENIO IMPERATORIS Genius standing left,pouring out patera and holding cornucopia Exergue- dot-HT-delta-dot Heraclea 4th oficina RIC VII - 37a delta Heraclea But... Can anyone tell me what is the meaning of the mark in the bottom right feld?  Can't find it anywhere? Thanks  |
|
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
This coin does not really need any mechanical cleaning.
Try Verdi-Care instead; this solution is used mainly for modern U.S. coins, bit I feel that it may work very well on this coin as well.
Google:
'verdi-care'
Edited by sel_69l
12/23/2015 07:01 am
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3445 Posts |
The mark in the lower field is the Greek letter Gamma. The 3rd letter of the alphabet it denotes which officina of the mint the coin originated.
The coin has a very thick layer of patination on the surface. Removing the layer will lead to disappointing results ! Loss of details which are now part of the oxidized metal.
A dab of some mineral oil will not permanently darken the surfaces if you prefer a more uniform appearance. A bath in acetone will restore it back again.
Nice little coin !
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 Spain
2752 Posts |
Thanks but what is the breakdown of the mintmark dot HT delta dot ?
Is this coin 3rd or 4th officina ?
I've never used acetone before and I would prefer a more uniform look so I assume it doesn't damage the coin?
Appreciate your input thanks
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1045 Posts |
The mark on the reverse isn't part of the original design. It is either a post burial encrustation or possibly a piece of stray metal that was inadvertently struck into the coin.
It is the 4th officina as denoted by the "delta" in the mint mark
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Belgium
1194 Posts |
Here it is the fourth officina (delta) ; The gamma is a control mark , you can find more explanation in the history of the mint of Heraclea just before the catalogue , especially p 524 : Group IV.albert
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Spain
2752 Posts |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Belgium
1194 Posts |
Ric , VI , Heraclea mint p 524 for your coin of group IV , 308-309.albert
|
|
Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
I agree with Biancasdad. Most likely some type of deposit on the coin.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3445 Posts |
Not my area of expertise ......yet !
I have been buying heavily into tetrarchy folles lately but they are all western mints.
Acetone will not harm a coin at all. Similar to alcohol but more volatile.
Excellent for removing any oils or moisture. It will leave the surface dry as bone.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Spain
2752 Posts |
Thanks all . Nice one Albert really informative and interesting read and has cleared up a few questions I had.I still can't find info on control markings but I've seen them somewhere and can't remember where  .Maybe it is just a deposit but up close it really looks formed if you know what I mean. How long to soak the coin in acetone ? I also thought about soaking it in olive oil any thoughts? Paul |
|
Pillar of the Community
Belgium
1194 Posts |
RIC does not mention any mark in the fields , so Biancasdad and Echizento are right,I think .You will not find many information on control marks , because it it very difficult or impossible to explain them;albert
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Spain
2752 Posts |
Ok thanks Albert at least I know know my attribution of the coin was correct a nice feel good.I feel much more confident now thanks to the help received on this forum.
Gracias saludos Paul
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3098 Posts |
I agree with the other comments that it's either a mark on an encrustation.
Any letters in the reverse field would be higher up on the coin.
Paul Bulgerin
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3445 Posts |
I only recommended the acetone as a remedy if you applied a dab of oil and did not like the darkened look. A quick ten minute bath in acetone will cleanse the surface and restore the original appearance. A prolonged bath in olive oil might permanently darken the coin. As the patination is already 'black' any darkening will be relatively minor.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Spain
2752 Posts |
Well here it is after 2 weeks in olive oil nice dark uniform black green patina.Really pleased with this..my first coin I've cleaned.Any thoughts appreciated?   Bought it like this...  Thanks for everyones help. Saludos Paul |
| |
Replies: 18 / Views: 2,873 |
Posted 12/23/2015 08:22 am
