Very Thin Looks Like Gold

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Inspector43, Mar 19, 2020.

  1. Inspector43

    Inspector43 More than 75 Years Active Collecting Supporter

    While sorting my ancients I came across this very thin gold looking coin. It almost looks like gold leaf. It is:
    0.95 grams
    16 mm wide
    1.00 mm thick
    Any help would be appreciated Very thin gold obv.jpg Very thin gold rev.jpg
     
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  3. furryfrog02

    furryfrog02 Well-Known Member

    Looks like a Gallienus that was harshly cleaned.
     
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  4. Inspector43

    Inspector43 More than 75 Years Active Collecting Supporter

    I found it that way in a batch. It is very thin. Could a harsh cleaning take so much mass away?
     
  5. GenX Enthusiast

    GenX Enthusiast Forensic grammatician

    Or in a fire?
     
  6. Inspector43

    Inspector43 More than 75 Years Active Collecting Supporter

    Put your forensic grammar test to this. It is the final sentence of a message sent from Katy ISD regarding COVID-19. They have already heard from me.

    You’re ongoing support as we combat this pandemic together is appreciated.

    Katy ISD
     
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  7. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    Coins of the period were very thin to begin with, then with corrosion and then harsh cleaning, yeah it could get very light easily.
     
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  8. ominus1

    ominus1 Well-Known Member

    purdy...the color of my Gallenius ..:) Gallenius ae coins 002.JPG Gallenius ae coins 004.JPG
     

    Attached Files:

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  9. robinjojo

    robinjojo Well-Known Member

    It looks brassy - probably not gold.

    Generally, gold is a butter yellow, but somewhat darker when alloyed with copper or whiter when alloyed with silver.
     
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  10. John Anthony

    John Anthony Ultracrepidarian

    That there is an example of why you shouldn't clean your ancient coins by electrolysis.
     
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  11. Inspector43

    Inspector43 More than 75 Years Active Collecting Supporter

    Is there any more information you guys/gals can give me that might help me pinpoint the specific Gallienus I have here? I am trying to hunt down but there are hundreds of them.
     
  12. Inspector43

    Inspector43 More than 75 Years Active Collecting Supporter

    Do you suppose that was the case here? It is just as I received it. Everything I see here is a lesson. Thanks.
     
  13. John Anthony

    John Anthony Ultracrepidarian

    I don't know of any other process that can thoroughly strip the patina off a coin and leave just the thin core, other than maybe some sort of acid dip. The reverse is upside-down. There is a standing figure there, and the most common of Gallienus ants is Virtus, so that's my guess.

    Also, don't bother with such coins. Common Roman coins are available in very pleasing grades at reasonable prices.
     
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  14. Inspector43

    Inspector43 More than 75 Years Active Collecting Supporter

    Thank you. I have quite a few old coins that need cleaning just to see what they are. I have found that I learn a lot from the cleaning. I have to be careful about detail of the coins and it teaches me about the devices of different coins. Of course, my associates at CT give the most help.
    Thanks again.
     
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  15. John Anthony

    John Anthony Ultracrepidarian

    Understood. Cleaning is almost a different hobby altogether. You're a better man than I am - I don't have the patience!
     
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  16. Inspector43

    Inspector43 More than 75 Years Active Collecting Supporter

    I want to learn the basics of the coins before I buy any in presentable condition. I appreciate the comments and advice.
     
  17. gsimonel

    gsimonel Well-Known Member

    Your coin may be too far gone to positively ID, but you should start by rotating the reverse 180 degrees. There appears to be a female figure standing, facing right?
    temp.jpg
     
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  18. Inspector43

    Inspector43 More than 75 Years Active Collecting Supporter

    Here is a rotated view. Thanks for the feedback. Very thin gold rev.jpg
     
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