Help me Identify these Ancient Coins

There likely hasn't been any precise dating for this series done, but it should fall somewhere under Caracalla's joint reign with his father, Septimius Severus. So, call it 198-209 AD.

 

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I think alot of people here go there. If you plan on collecting more you might wana check out some books and informational websites.

I think Ancient Coin Collecting by Wayne G. Sayles is a pretty good book to start with.

 

Hi

I think I'll have a take on coin #3. My suggestion is Phillip II, from Heliopolis, Syria:
"Cuirassed bust right / COL/HEL, two aquilae standards within laurel wreath. "
http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/philip_II/_heliopolis_AE22_SNGCop_433.jpg

For more Phillip II coins, look here:
http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/philip_II/t.html

I don't think that portrait belongs to any of the Severans. Caracalla portraits always have "stronger" features, and he is also often bearded. Geta died too young for that head to belong to him, I believe. Well, that's my suggestion, anyway.

 

You're forgetting the youthful portraits of Caracalla and Geta. Both were portrayed on coins starting when they were mere boys.

This is where I got the reference from:
http://www.coinarchives.com/a/lotviewer.php?LotID=75179&AucID=79&Lot=1146

 

yes! This looks exactly like it!

 

Quite a lookalike. You're probably right.

 

Is their a problem with the minting of the Roman coin because once you turn the coin from the obverse to reverse, the design doesn't seem to be upside down like the other Byzantine coins. Which is why I posted a pic of the Reverse upside down thinking it was the right position. I don't know how to explain it but If you don't understand, I will try to explain more.

 

"Is their a problem with the minting of the Roman coin because once you turn the coin from the obverse to reverse, the design doesn't seem to be upside down like the other Byzantine coins."

The reverse angle can be "around the clock" on ancient coins. They were hand struck with a hammer and a die, and there are numerous variations in strikes.
Here's a good introduction to the minting process:
http://www.classicalcoins.com/page103.html

 

Thanks! but how much would you say these coins are worth? especially the Roman ones?
I have another question (sorry for asking everyone loads of noob questions), since the Roman coin has patina on it, can it ever be cleaned without hurting its value? or is it better to just leave it alone? if it can be cleaned, what should I use?

 

I don't think you should try cleaning those coins more than they have been cleaned already. If you remove the patina, they will look really ugly.
Ancient coins are best cleaned using distilled water or olive oil. Let the coins soak for a few weeks, take them out and let them dry up, and use a soft brass brush, toothpicks or a metal pick to remove dirt.
Don't remove patina - at least that's my opinion. I have gone too far cleaning a few coins, and I always regret it.
The best way to learn this, is of course to buy a lot of uncleaned coins and try it out. There are a lot of internet sites about cleaning ancient coins, just google it.

 

What cheap uncleaned coin would you recommend that I would clean? A common ancient coin that many practice on or something?

 

I always recommend buying uncleaned lots that are pictured in the auction - not just a stock photo. Those yelling "Gold found", guaranteeing you silver coins etc. are probably the worst you can buy. I've been lucky sometimes buying lots found by people metal detecting in Europe. You will find them on ebay UK and Germany. Sometimes on US ebay too.
The uncleaned lots will most often cointain late Roman coins of low value. Don't expect them containing rare coins - chances are they don't. I think buying uncleaned coins is a good way to start your collection, if you're getting into ancients.

 

hya:
Posted in the wrong thread, woops.