Hi Everybody, I have bought few uncleaned coins on ebay and tried my luck with electrolysis. This is the first result I got. The coin is copper, 19mm in diameter and shows a little more detail in real than in the scan - it's the best I could do. Since I know practically nothing about ancient coins I would really appreciate if any of you experts could help me identify it and if possible to tell me how common it is. Needless to say, although laymen in this field it's great fun and and I enjoy it immensely. Any remark and info will be much appreciated. I will post more coins soon.... Thanks, Avi
Avi,Cucumbor is THE Roman coin expert here.You could send him an email,including photos.He will be able to identify it. Aidan.
If you could get a more clear scan of the inscription and the Ex (lower type on the rev) then I could probably place the coin, as it is I cant make out enough to say.
Avico, Your coin is of the emperor Licinius.The inscription reads DN VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C.The obverse is Licinius in armor and a helmet facing left,the reverse is Jupiter holding a mini Victory & scepter IOVI CONSERVATORI.It's either Cyzius or Heraclia mint. This is a fairly common type and is worth about $5-20 in this condition.
Hello, It's kind of you, Aidan, to suppose I am THE roman coin expert. But evidence shows that Mikjo0 is faster and with the right attribution. I agree for Licinius. I can't figure out the exergue. Cucumbor
Mikjo0 et. al. Thanks for the immediate response and for the help in the id + explanation. I will post more coins as soon as they get from their somewhat electrifying bath.... Again thank you, Avi
Hi again, This is the second coin that I have cleaned with electrolysis and here is the result. I will not continue cleaning it just not to hurt the poor metal more than I should. Obviously it had rough times. The bust is "eaten" by the corrosion (now removed) but the reverse do show some details. My scan (+photoshop retouch) reflects the coin well so this is as good as it gets. I would appreciate again your observations. Thanks, Avi
I learned the hard way not to be toooo... liberal with the electrolysis, It'll eat-up you coin as you have done on this Licinius AE2 IMP LICINIVS AVG w/ the god Sol on reverse. The inscription should read SOLI INVICTO COMITI. The mint looks to be Antioch (ANT). I could be wrong on the attribution Take Care Ben
Thank you Bonedigger for the id. The whole obverse part of the coin was covered with thick corrosion so I don't really think the electrolysis did the damage. Even if so - I bought the coins for cheap, just to learn the process and it's effects so I don't feel much harm was done. I also loved the smell..... Again - thank you for the identification. I appreciate it Avi
Electrolysis should be left to the professionals. Back when I was into buying "uncleaned Ancient Roman coins" I got into electrolysis and I had very few positive results. It often takes away all of the patina on a coin and on quite afew it ate away the outer layers of the metal so I thought it was dirt and would try and clean that off! Now a good portion of those coins which survived intact for the last 1800 years in the ground look hideous and very abrasive after just a few minutes and are worthless. Olive oil and a toothbrush is really the only way amateurs such as myself should go, or not at all.
