So this is the second coin out of the 20 uncleaned ancients that my wife got me for Christmas. I've only been soaking it for a day in DW and gave it a gentle scrub with a nylon brush. This is what is starting to show up. I am pretty happy I believe it to be, though I'm not 100% sure on the character in the center and the mintmark yet: Probus AE Antoninianus. Siscia mint, 278-280 AD. Obv: IMP PROBVS INV AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right Rev: CONCORD MILIT, Probus and Concordia facing the each other and clasping hands, Γ in lower centre. Mintmark XXI
Nice, it looks like it still has most of the original silvering! Good luck with cleaning that coin, and let us know how it turns out.
Fun, huh? @furryfrog02 !! As you probably already know, there are various of ways to approach cleaning old crusty coins. I understand most people dampen and even soak their coins before working on them. I have tried that I came to find that, for me, I get best results when I keep the coin dry. In fact, if I don't let them get heated or damp by holding them in my hand too long as I work them. I keep a soft white cotton cloth wrapped around the hand and fingers upon which the coin I am working on rests and hopefully that absorbs any hand moisture or oils so it doesn't get on the coin. I do not find cotton gloves comfortable or efficient. Since I don't need the finger tips on all fingers that coin holding hand covers, I suppose I could cut the fingers off a cotton glove; but, I can easily reposition the white cotton cloth as it gets smudged so that whatever gunk I am taking off the coin is not immediately transferred back to it or to the side of the coin upon which I am not then currently working. Also, although I do not wear a mask, I do try not to breathe too directly on the coin and after I finish working with one, I let it sit out and completely cool down before approaching it again for another session. I thought maybe that information might be helpful to you. I hope you will continue to share with us your progress on the coins. I love to see how they come along after each stage and I will enjoy looking at your coins as they clean up as much as enjoy looking at my own. LaC
It definitely has most of the silvering on the obverse and at least a decent amount on the reverse. I will be sure to update with pictures as it comes along.
Hey!! @Parthicus !!! How are you? Hope you had a Merry Xmas (or whatever you celebrate) and that you'll have a wonderful prosperous and healthy New Year. (Sorry @furryfrog02, for hijacking your thread for a second!)
Clean with care. The coin has a scarce obverse legend and a good looking specimen would be a great coin to add to the collection.
Does it now? Would you by chance have a reference where we could read more about it? I found a few examples on vcoins that were close as well as on wildwinds but that was it. Also, for what it's worth, it seems to have a "S" in the lower center of the reverse. Still can't tell the mint mark for sure.
Hi @LaCointessa ! Glad to see you back again, it's been a while since you posted here. Hope you are doing well and will be visiting the forum more regularly again. I spent Christmas with six humans and two cats, so all is well with me. I hope you had a happy holiday season and that you will be happy in the New Year. Oh, and so this isn't a complete thread jack: I assume the rarity of the obverse legend would be from the INV (presumably Invicta, Undefeated) which I think is not often used on obverse legends. But of course, we all know what happens when you assume.
The S is the officina mark. The obverse legend shows INV (Invictus - undefeated) which is less than the most common. In this grade, that will not add cash value but it is of interest. Mine is a different reverse but the INV is in the same place.
I believe it is just silver wash. The reverse seems to have less than the obverse. Will have to wait and see for sure though.
