Hello all, I just picked up this lot of ancient (And 1 think 1 Spanish coin?) coins for cheap from a jewelry shop and was hoping for a little input. First I recognize the Alexander Drachms(?) I am not even positive they are genuine but they looks nice and weigh about 4.2 grams each but they appear to have two different obverse styles? Then there's some copper coins that seem to be in good condition. Some of them have some green crud around them. Am I able to properly clean this off to preserve the coin without destroying the integrity? Then lastly there is what I think is a 1770's Spanish cob (Looks like maybe 1771?) with a "chop-mark" of a B on it. It weighs 2.9 gram so im thinking it's a 1 cob but my knowledge in this subject is very limited. I'm not looking to resell these so I don't need exact value but if there is something super rare/valuable I would greatly appreciate any input as well so I can properly write it in my notes. Thanks a bunch in advance and look forward to learning a bit more about this unfamiliar subject area!
To me, all the coins look to be genuine at first glance. As you indicated, the top left two appear to be Alexander drachms. The two obverse styles indicate that they are from different mints. Conservatively, they would be about $100-150 each. The one on the far left is a late Roman Constantinian bronze (@Victor_Clark or others may be able to give a more granular attribution). The two bronzes on the bottom left appear to be of Elagabalus. The third from left on the bottom appears to be a Jewish coin. And yes, the far right coin on the bottom seems to be a worn and patinated Spanish cob (Castille & Leon). Nothing super rare about any of them, I think that the Alexander drachms are probably the most valuable of the lot (although I'm not sure about the rarity of the Jewish coin). Great pickup!
First Jewish Revolt, Year 2, 67/68 AD, AE prutah, Jerusalem, Hendin 6389. Above average example. Well-centered. Good amount of legend is readable. Great detail on the central devices. A person would have to expect to pay at least $100 retail for this quality.
The two on the bottom left are the same Caracalla A.D. 206 Limes Denarius ANTONINVS PIVS AVG; laureate head right. PONTIF TR P VIIII COS II; Mars, in military dress, stg. l., resting r. hand on shield and holding spear. RIC IV Rome 83 They are denarii and are usually silver. Yours are a base metal and usually referred to as limes denarius. They were possibly struck for use on the border...limes = frontier border. They are not rare. The top right is Constantine II A.D. 321- 324 CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C; Laureate head right. CAESARVM NOSTRORVM surrounding laurel wreath enclosing VOT X in ex. ΓSIS • in crescent RIC VII Siscia 170 correction There is a correction with the mintmark as RIC incorrectly described this coin as double crescent when it is actually dot in crescent. This specific issue is a bit rarer; but overall the type is very common. In that condition, less than 20 bucks.
Appreciate the attributions! Do you have any input about the green scrub around the coins? Is there any proper way to soak or get rid of that stuff? Or is it better to leave as is
The green is called verdigris and it can be removed; but you would most likely end up with no patina; which might leave you with a very ugly coin. If you are not confident in your ability to clean it; it is best to leave it as is. If you are determined to try, you can start with a weak solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) with frequent checks involving scrubbing with something like a toothbrush.
Sorry but the two limes denarii of Caracalla (bottom left) are very probably modern cast fakes. They are identical, including the centering and the flan shape.
Yes, thre is an anachronism on reverse. The Eiffel Tower under the throne was not built before 1889 AD.
