The explanation is that these four (and another major handful still in work; pics posted here as they clean up) were/are unrecognizable before cleaning; some were lumped together, all were heavily encrusted with the detritus of age. As I had very little in them I thought to attempt possible ID by removal of the offending scale, etc. For you purists out there, I offer only perfunctory apology; without such effort, of what use or value could they be, to anyone? I have no intention of selling any of them; my grand- and great-grand kids will get them, with historical notes as possible, when I depart. 1: .830 X .877 inches; 3.9/4.0 grams; copper or bronze. 2 & 3: .629 X .666 inches; 1.8 & 2.0 grams; copper. 4. .539 X .555 inches; 1.1 grams; copper or bronze. Whatever assistance offered will be gratefully acknowledged. Thanks!
Well, to start off since I have a moment... One reads IMP CMA MAXIMIANVS (the Emperor Maximianus), and I believe the second is Constantius Gallus....the next a 'Constantinian' and the last I'll guess Arcadius or Gratian which comes to mind without checking these LRB's on Wildwind/RIC etc. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/maximianus/i.html Give it time and I'm sure the others will definitely pin all of them down for you...
I believe all are fully identifiable with little work. The pair is Gallus and another ruler of that time but you would have an easier time with the reverses if you turned the image 180 degrees. Both appear to be the same mint. Your photos are too light to be clear on my computer. Is my screen so much out of adjustment that these look good to you? I won't argue with Mikey on that last one but my first thought was Theodosius I. Without us doing it for you see if you can decipher the legends on each and present them with a guess.
Most ancient coins have been cleaned at some point. We really don't care about cleaning as long as it's done carefully to ensure not damaging the coin itself. No need to apologize.
Doug...I was fairly competent at using iPhoto with my old Mac OS; an upgrade took that editor and replaced it with Photo...a far cry from comfortable yet, and may never be. No doubt your screen is plenty good enough...my pics must be at fault: Handheld, no flash available (sun) light. I believe I've turned the image, as you requested. As far as deciphering the legends: I'll give it a go, but have little confidence in sufficient success to be materially helpful. Mikey...What's an LRB? I'll peruse the images on the link you sent, with hope of finding at least one or two of mine. Thanks, both of you...
A belated welcome @wlwhittier !!! There are numerous sites that explain and teach ancient coin identification.....in this case Roman Imperials----and Doug Smith has a web-site..... as well as a link to scroll through on FORVM coins for their assistance, not to mention numerous other members here have their own sites offering LRB information such as @Valentinian etc... http://www.forumancientcoins.com/
