This is number 95 in my attempt to have an album of 100 ancients cleaned and identified by myself. This coin is Constantius II, SMKE (epsilon).
I've been following your posts and do enjoy your different way of collecting!! You must've had an enjoyable 95.........I must admit it's quite a unique way to collect!........Looking forward to seeing your last 5......Paul
Thanks for the complement. I actually have 25 more in the works. But the 100 will be complete soon. I have only been working with ancients for about 2 years. I started out about a year ago to finish 100. But, it's just like potato chips - you aren't satisfied with just one.
I know there are different views on cleaning/conservation. It would seem to me that many ancient coins would require cleaning, after being found in the ground, etc. What ways have you found helpful in cleaning coins like this? Tx.
First of all, I am addicted to coins that are covered with crud so that I have no idea, or very little idea, of what they are. I gently wash them to remove as much as possible. Then it is either distilled water soak or hydrogen peroxide 40 volume. You have to be very gentle until you discover what coin you are working with. Then, I find an image of the type and print it. I use that to guide me in the rest of the process. Soak for a few days, remove some crud, soak for a few days and repeat. All the time watching for details. Most of them get Ren Wax at the end for preservation. I an fortunate that I have patience that I haven't used yet.
Thanks for this great info. I hope I may develop an interest in these coins. It must take many, many hours to be able to identify these by oneself. But I suspect one feels like one has hit the jackpot when the coin is successfully identified. all the best.
You can catch on very quick when you have this forum as a resource. The folks here are very kind and helpful. I knew very little about identification, cleaning and preservation of ancient coins 2 years ago. I now feel that I can get the basics quickly but still count on the forum to help me sort out details that impact the identification.
Well, here is number 100 and some pics of the complete set. # 100 is: Constantine I, AE follis, Rome. AD 314. IMP CONSTANTINVS PF AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. SOLI INVICTO COMITI, Sol standing right, looking left, chlamys across left shoulder, holding globe and raising right hand. R-F across fields. Mintmark R star P. RIC VII Rome 19 var (Sol's position); Sear 16096 var (ditto). There is an information page for each coin and the coins are in 2 X 2's in a similar binder.
