This one has some crust on it that I think could come off but I decided to leave it be for fear of the patina coming off as well. Still was good enough to be able to ID it It's not often that I am able to nail it down to an exact RIC number. Valentinian I, AE3, Siscia. DN VALENTINI-ANVS PF AVG, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right GLORIA RO-MANORVM, Emperor in military dress, walking right, head left, holding labarum, dragging captive behind him. Left field: Q. Right field: Symbol 3 over A. Mintmark: BSISCV. RIC IX Siscia 14a, type xxxi. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/valentinian_I/_siscia_RIC_014a_xxxi.jpg
I really do like the reverse. It's a shame that some of the patina is off the legs and the captive. But I really like how easy all the stuff was to make out. One of the easier uncleaned coins I have been able to ID
Nice coin. I like coins with Valentinian standing right, holding labarum inscribed with Chi-Rho and holding captive by hair. The symbol for Christ, consisting of the Greek letters chi (Χ) and rho (Ρ) and the emperor dragging a captive by the hair do not go together in my mind. I call this coin type an oxymoron coin.
Sure is fun when you find coins like this, isn't it? If you are cleaning uncleaned coins, be on the lookout for coins of Constantius II and Constans with a Chi-rho, too. In particular, there are two FEL TEMP REPARATIO reverses that turn up occasionally in batches of uncleaned coins. Emperor on galley holding labarum and Victory on globe; Victory at helm: And emperor holding labarum and resting shield on ground; two captives in front: I pulled both these coins out of batches of uncleaned coins.
I would use brass tools and a stereo microscope. If you're really serious about cleaning uncleaned coins, a stereo microscope is a good investment. You can usually pick a decent one up for around $150. To make brass tools, go to a hobby or hardware store and pick up a small brass rod and a sharpening stone. File the end of the rod down into a point or blade. Then look through the microscope to scrape away the encrustations with the tool. Brass is softer than bronze, so it won't damage the coin surface. But be very careful with coins with soft green patinas, because it can scratch the patina. Always test before going full speed. But for a coin with encrustations like the one @Roman_Collector posted, a brass tool is the best way to go.
