Trying to Decide What to Do with This Sestertius of Trajan (green stuff)

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Eduard, Feb 28, 2017.

  1. Eduard

    Eduard Supporter**

    I have been going through my collection of Roman bronzes lately looking for the dreaded B.D.

    I hadn't paid much attention to my collection for the last couple of years, so an inspection was overdue. Fortunately, everything seems to be mostly fine. Just minor spots here and there.

    The exception are some coins which were affected when I bought them.
    This sestertius of Trajan is one of them. The green seems to be stable and hard, i.e. probably not B.D - and it has not gotten any worse for many years.
    Acetone will not remove it.

    However, I think it is unsightly, specially the obverse, and the coin could benefit if the green was at least subdued.

    What would you do - leave as is, or gentle treat with Verdi-Care?

    Trajan Sestertius-Platform-Obv - 1.jpg Trajan Sestertius-Platform-Rev - 1.jpg
     
    Paul M., dlhill132, icerain and 12 others like this.
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  3. gregarious

    gregarious E Pluribus Unum

    a little verdi-care wouldn't hurt i'd say, and will stop the process. looks like missouri green has moved in on it.
     
  4. TIF

    TIF Always learning.

    I'd give it a few soaks (and gentle dabs) in Verdicare.
     
    Andres2 likes this.
  5. stevex6

    stevex6 Random Mayhem

    If it's hard and crusty green, then I'd leave it alone (I love a bit of grunge on a coin => it keeps it honest)

    Athena Numismatics makes you pay extra for that look!! (but in desert yellow)

    ;)
     
    Theodosius and Curtisimo like this.
  6. TJC

    TJC Well-Known Member

    I would do a verdicare treatment.
    BTW, Nice coin!
     
    gregarious likes this.
  7. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    Ditto. I think the green is not unsightly at all.
     
    gregarious likes this.
  8. Ken Dorney

    Ken Dorney Yea, I'm Cool That Way...

    Dont clean it and dont treat it. It is fine as is.
     
    Paul M. likes this.
  9. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    I'd keep it as is too.
     
    Paul M. likes this.
  10. coinsareus10

    coinsareus10 Well-Known Member

    The coin looks great just as is. Has character.
     
  11. randygeki

    randygeki Coin Collector

    I'd leave it too
     
  12. alde

    alde Always Learning

    I vote to leave it be. Looks nice to me.
     
  13. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    I would not interfere with that coin at all. I think it looks great as is.
     
  14. ro1974

    ro1974 Well-Known Member

    keep it so:happy: trajan001.jpg
    out my collection:
     
  15. ro1974

    ro1974 Well-Known Member

  16. Kentucky

    Kentucky Supporter! Supporter

    VerdiCare won't strip the coin, it will just remove any loose verdigris and leave any that is hard and counts as patina. Nothing to lose, do the VerdiCare.
     
  17. stevex6

    stevex6 Random Mayhem

    :eek:

    ... yup, ya might as well remove all of that great ol' patina ...

    => everybody loves furniture that's been refinished!!
     
  18. Eduard

    Eduard Supporter**

    OK, the green stays (at least for now). You have convinced me:).
    Thank you all for your comments.

    If I need to look at a 'cleaner' coin of the type (i.e no green), I can always look at this one (bit rough, but dark brown tone).

    Trjan Sestertius-Imperator2-Obv - 1.jpg Trjan Sestertius-Imperator2-Rev - 1.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2017
    icerain, Alegandron, Bing and 4 others like this.
  19. Paul M.

    Paul M. Well-Known Member

    I'm with @Kentucky. Verdicare will not hurt the coin. It may not help, but if there's no actual BD, it won't hurt. My lone ancient bronze is covered in a hard, green patina and I'm not worried about it in the least.
     
    Kentucky and TIF like this.
  20. Kentucky

    Kentucky Supporter! Supporter

    Yeah, I really like my Chippendale with the red barn paint.
     
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