Ancient Coins: Newest Acquisitions

Here's my latest, an eBay Roman Egyptian. As with so many bronzes, this one had wax or makeup rubbed on. The "after" images are fairly accurate, maybe a bit more relief in hand. Rubbing alcohol dissolved the "sand".

While I do like the contrast and enhanced details brought out but such applied patinas, concern about what the unknown material might do to the metal is reason for its removal. Given the ubiquity of such applied substances, it might be a good idea to routinely soak all of your bronze coins in rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits, and water (sequentially; some or all of these soaks depending on the coin).

Before:


After:

EGYPT, Alexandria. Vespasian
year 5, CE 72/3
obol, 21 mm, 5.2 gm
Obv: AVTOKKAIΣΣEBAOVEΣΠAΣIANOV; laureate bust right
Rev: hawk standing right; LE in left field
Ref: Emmett 222(5) R1, Milne 430

 

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TIF => I am unable to view your "before" photo ...

*self-edit*

Okay yup => now I see your coin (good job)

 

I was editing the post. Refresh the thread and it will be there.

 

Yeah, that coin is perfectly good without any "enhancement." Nice work.

 

Well, I guess I might as well post two modest, but interesting 'Eastern' types I purchased from a Forum auction a while back-- at least I don't believe I posted either before...

Silver Drachm of Shapur III, AE-16 of Elymais; 90-10 BC, altar reverse;
and
AE Drachm of Orodes III, AE-16 of Elymais; 90-10 BC, differing symbols reverse

 

Great posts guys!!!

Love the details JA!!

 

Thanks. I did a double-take when I first saw it: whoa, wait, let's take a closer look at this one! I can't wait to see it in hand. And I only paid half of my maximum bid - I can't believe more collectors of LRB's weren't drooling over the coin.

It's a companion piece to another follis I own of Licinius, from Siscia. This one has a different bust and an eagle in the left reverse field. I think the new coin matches its partner in quality quite well.

 

When you get the new one, show the images side-by-side. Even though the new one is silvered, I think I like the old better. However, the new coin may look even better when you photograph it yourself.

 

I think the seller angled the light quite obliquely, to enhance the silvering. I really don't think it's going to be that shiny in hand. My experience with silvered coins is that they can appear radically different from different angles.

 

Those are very nice, Mikey. I haven't explored the coinage of Elymais yet, but it's on my to-do list.

 

I love seeing the variety of 'types' we all are interested in and 'pull the trigger' on...I almost get as much pleasure out of that than actually owning them myself---ALMOST!! LOL

 

That's what I like about this forum. I don't collect many Eastern or Medieval coins, but I enjoy reading the posts by the collectors that do. I always come away with a little education, and that's worth as much to me as my coins.

 

Really????

I like reading all the post and I do like attempting to be educated, but owning the coin, having it in hand, is worth more than just reading about them (to me).

 

Everybody is a little different in that respect. But yes, really. There are millions of coins I'm never going to own for one reason or another (usually finances). But I take great interest in the coins AJ and IOM and others post, often going way beyond their informative posts into my own research. The whole process of scholarly research intrigues me as much as collecting.

 

There are some mighty fine coins being posted. here's a newp, from club night.

Isaac ll Angews 1185- 1195 AD.
Ae, testarteron.
Obv. Virgin standing facing.
Rev. Isaac ll standing facing, holding cruciform scepter.
20mm x 2.18g.
Cup coin.
Very interesting fellow, ruled twice, second time blind for a year, 1194-95.

 

Nice byzantine, Eng!

 

Awesome. I want into you're club. Quite impressive steering the boat blind. Surprisingly enough there were couple of blind rulers over time. Interesting are the big silver coins of John "The Blind."
Great catch Eng!

 

Terrific photo of a cool and interesting coin Eng....

Obviously, photographing a 'cup-shaped' type is not an issue for you..

 

What is AE-20?

 

A bronze coin which is 20mm in diameter.