My 1st Ancient, need help to identify.

Weighs 2.8 grams. 5/8 of an inch in diameter. Thanks.

 

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Although the guys on here are wizards, they might need more to go from. You could soak the coin in water for a few days and brush it with a toothbrush which you have shortened the bristles on and it might bring out more detail.

 

Congrats on your first ancient ...

 

man, i don't know what that one is.

i'm only an apprentice wizard, some of the more more advanced sorcerers may be able to evoke an answer for you.

 

Probably a mid/late third century Antoninianus

 

I bought 5 coins of my coin dealer for $7-10 for all of them. I said to him, this is worth it for sure, just to try to learn about them. The other 4 I haven't even looked at. I am going to try soaking it in distilled water with a shortened toothbrush as advised. If nothing else, ill be posting updated pics in a day or two. Thanks everyone!

 

i think arnoldoe is barking up the right tree.

 

VALERIAN (253-260 AD)

Antoninianus, 4.01 g.Obverse: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS PF AVG
Radiate, draped bust r.Reverse: VIRTVS AVGG
Soldier standing l., r. hand resting on shield, l. holding spear.Mint city: Viminacium. . 256 AD
Ref: Sear 9993 (var). RIC 227. Goebl 1584b.
Item # 248$135.00Scarce. This coin featured in Wildwinds.

 

Not the same. Your coin's obverse shows a portrait facing left I believe, unless I am seeing things.

 

im scrubbing it with a shortened toothbrush and water, i better not misplace this brush, twas not fun making it.

 

this is fun, why didnt you guys show me this cult a long time ago? My wife will flip out if she sees im branching off from Cents

 

Remember, these coins have survived almost 2,000 years, so they are going to be pretty hard to hurt. When the water doesn't seem to cut it, try some soap or detergent. You can use Dawn if it makes you feel better, but as long as you rinse off any residue, you should be good to go. Some people boil them for a couple of hours (hot water dissolves lots more than cold water).

 

got me thinking....going to make a home made wire brush...the 1/2 toothbrush bristles mounted to my drill?

 

Careful not to take off the patina or scratch the patina. That will take away from the coins looks and value.

 

Looks like a Gallienus, or Claudius II Gothicus low grade Antonianus, made probably around 265-270

 

The reverse pose looks like Marti Pacifero but more than one ruler used it. Here are Gallienus and Probus but I believe there are others.

 

Glad to hear you brought your first ancient!

 

"Fun, fun, fun, till daddy takes the coins away"

 

I'm glad you're having fun, and welcome to the club, but I think the most valuable lesson you can take from this coin is that you should spend just a little more money buying specimens that are clearly identifiable.