Another Ancient Coin Mystery ID Request

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Author	Replies: 7 / Views: 785
canudigit Valued Member United States 59 Posts	Posted 08/28/2023 1:52 pm I'm not the least bit familiar with these types, but tried to match it by 'the seat of my pants' type searching. I love self research...but I give up! This one and a couple other ancients were old estate sale grabs that I thought would be interesting to ID. This one is oblong as you see - aprox. 3/4 x 7/8. Head of man with multi -pointed hat (?) - the other side looks like a dancing devil (?). Guessing bronze. Any solid ID would be so appreciated. Report this Post to the Staff

publius Pillar of the Community United States 807 Posts	Posted 08/28/2023 2:00 pm Roman Imperial. The "spiked hat" makes it an "antoninianus", and the inscription tells me the Emperor is Gallienus. Composition is "billon" or debased silver, not readily distinguishable from bronze. A lot of his coins, and there were a lot of varieties, have some form of standing humanoid figure on the reverse, and I can't readily make out enough of the inscription to tell you which it is quickly. Antoniniani of Gallienus on Numista Edited by publius 08/28/2023 2:02 pm Report this Post to the Staff
canudigit Valued Member United States 59 Posts	Posted 08/28/2023 2:24 pm Wow - thank you for such a speedy reply publius! Looking through your link I realize the vast varieties and massive education needed thereof. One thing I don't see while scanning the link photos is that on mine the reverse standing figure has 2 prominent 'loops' or circle shapes on either side of the figure. Maybe a clue? I will try to see about clarifying the inscription lettering as well. Report this Post to the Staff
canudigit Valued Member United States 59 Posts	Posted 08/28/2023 3:10 pm Here I tried for closer shots of the lettering devices on both sides. Hoping one of you experts may recognize some telltale features that you think could be of any importance - or maybe these are just too common to toy with deciphering? Thanks for looking! Report this Post to the Staff
erafjel Pillar of the Community Sweden 2124 Posts	Posted 08/28/2023 5:14 pm Quote: maybe these are just too common to toy with deciphering No coin ever is! It is certainly a Gallienus antoninianus. More precisely, with Mars on reverse - Mars Victor type. It should be this one: http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.....649?lang=en Report this Post to the Staff
canudigit Valued Member United States 59 Posts	Posted 08/28/2023 5:53 pm You are so right erafjel - it's the mystery that drives me to post this - not the value. Your link nails it -Thank you! Fascinating! Can I clean this up a bit safely? Edited by canudigit 08/28/2023 5:57 pm Report this Post to the Staff
erafjel Pillar of the Community Sweden 2124 Posts	Posted 08/29/2023 04:57 am Cleaning is a complex matter and there are different opinions on what to do. You should be aware that whatever you do is irreversible, will affect not only what you want to remove but also the patina of the coin, and the coin may end up having an odd coloration. That said and those warning flags raised, I think your coin has what is called bronze disease. That is a chemical reaction with chloride in the environment that turns the bronze into a bluish green powder. It will slowly destroy the coin and should therefore be treated (in my opinion). There is a good description of the phenomenon and how to treat it here: http://kevinscoins.ancients.info/BD...Disease.html Report this Post to the Staff
canudigit Valued Member United States 59 Posts	Posted 08/29/2023 11:18 am Oh dear - a dreaded disease that slowly consumes...not good. Thank you for the link to a possible treatment erafje. Sounds simple enough, and shall give it a try as soon as I find the 'washing soda'. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 7 / Views: 785

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