Received the coin in the mail today. I believe the underside of Aphrodite's hair has been tooled along with the chest of Pegasus. The relief of these two areas is considerably higher than the rest of the wear on the coin. Also, when rubbed against white paper, a brown residue is rubbed off...almost like lead (you will see this in the pics below). In hand, the coin has a waxy feel. Comments and concerns greatly appreciated. Thank you all!!!
Artificial or not, if treated with an acid, I think that the toning will fade off... Won't add anything to the coin imo (unless you want to let it age "naturally" afterwards). "If" it was retoned, might be because it looked overcleaned before.
I don't see it either. If you alter/clean the coin and decide you don't want it, it may present a problem.
Once again I have to agree with Dionysos. I see no evidence of tooling. Also, as far as the toning I would leave it alone if you are happy with the appearance. I think it is a very nice coin just the way it sets.
You seem to be the only one here who finds the coin offensive. I like it. 'Waxy' sometimes means that the coin spent some time in a soft flip and that could be removed with acetone or even just some water. I would not clean off the tone but would trade the coin to someone who likes it better than you do. I guarantee that a lemon bath would get you more negative responses here than leaving it alone. I also recommend that you not buy coins from the seller again since you obviously do not trust them.
Thanks for all the input guys. Contrary to what some of u assume, I do like the coin..I'm just wary when comparing the coin to other similar examples. I appreciate the confirmation that the coin is what it is and hasn't been negatively tampered with, which was my concern.
At least im not the only person who is a little wary about the coin. And contrary to doug's rude and condescending assumptions, I do like the coin (thats why I purchased it), and I do trust CNG. I thought the purpose of these forums is to share and gain information but I wonder that sometimes with doug's attitude.
I like the OP coin. I've been looking for a bronze Aphrodite. If things don't work out with the patina you could probably return it. I recently got a coin from a well known dealer, when it arrived I was a bit shocked that it was kinda slimy and had some green goo on it. I thought about returning it, but figured that it was probably from sitting in the slip and that the dealer had moved it so fast that he didn't even realize that it was like that, although he should have. Anyway, all it took to get it clean was a little light washing with soap and water. The coin was then fine and is now one of my favorites. On anther note, I personally like d.smit's.... tell it like he sees it style. Some times it's tough. Other forums can be worse. You gotta take these forums with a grain of salt.
Understandable...I respect Doug and his knowledge...I meant no offense though my wording in the above mentioned comment reads otherwise. I wiped the coin off to get rid of the waxy feel (the coin was shipped in a soft PVC fliip). it now rests in a Mylar flip. I plan on keeping the coin, but if I come across another Aphrodite drachm that piques my interest, I will definitely jump on it. I am happy with the coin and the price I paid for it.
