I recently purchased (hasn't arrived yet) this Vespasian / Sow Denarius. I believe it to be: (from Wildwinds) VESPASIAN. 69-79 AD. AR Denarius Struck 77-78 AD. CAESAR Obv: VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head left Rev: IMP XIX in exergue, sow walking left with three piglets. Ref: RIC II 109; BMCRE 214; BN 189; RSC 214. The question is "Should I clean it?" (Two votes for 'No', at this time.) I am interested to hear from you.
I'd at least soak it in water or acetone to see if the orange-brown stuff in the recesses would come off. The darker material is not going to change and that's okay .
The attribution looks correct. The only thing I can add is the updated RIC number - 983, listed as 'common'. This is one of those rare left portrait coins that is almost as common as the corresponding right example. I've used acetone on silver before and it works beautifully. If by chance it does not remove anything, don't despair, it's lovely as is.
@Topcat7 that is a way cool coin! Don't know if you have ever cleaned a pig, but just hose 'em down! The love it! But if that is too much for you, then I agree with @TIF !
Start with water, either hot or boiling. Give it a couple of days and use a toothbrush on it. Can repeat if that seems to help. Acetone only if you really want to, but please don't put lipstick on it...it will still be a pig.
Yeh, acetone and a thorn to pick out the dirt. The black tarnish will clean if you want a silver coin, but its quite pitted and if once clean the coin is very silver the pitting will be very visible as the black will remain in the holes. very nice coin, but you wont make a silk purse.......
Thank-you, people. You have confirmed what I believed. @>TIF, I will do just that, and see what happens. I might take before and after photos, too, (when it arrives). @'V' Thank-you for that additional inf. Very handy. @> Kentucky. Good idea, but I might have to keep it. "I have already sealed the envelope." (Lol)
