This is a fairly nice example of this type which incorporates both architectural and ritual motifs. While the obverse is relatively evenly toned and smooth, the reverse, which shows the most interesting details of the coin, has uneven tone and some deposits, as can be seen in the pictures. I feel there is nice detail still beneath those deposits and would like to gently clean the coin. Have tried repeated acetone dips to soften the deposits, followed by gentle prodding with some super-sharp thorns my wife's rose bushes are producing. In spite of almost stripping her bushes bare of thorns, I have had little success. I conclude the deposits are not organic in nature, so the acetone is not helping. Does anybody have additional (non-destructive!) ideas on how to remove the deposits? Thanks in advance for any ideas.
Oh wow!! One of my favorite Domitian reverses, and an excellent one at that! I wouldn't do anything else to the reverse, cleaning-wise.
Excellent coin with a wonderful portrait and great reverse! I agree with the others, don't do a thing with it. Cleaning may help a little, but it could possibly hurt a lot.
Great coin, with nice detail, one of the few Domitian coins that had an interesting reverse. Top buy Eduard.
Thanks everybody for your comments. Much appreciated. You all are right - best leave it alone, this is the best advice. The deposits cannot be removed by gentle means (acetone+rose thorns) - they are firmly attached to the metal; best not to take the risk of damaging the surface. Here a two denarii from my collection issued by Domitian struck to commemorate the Ludi Saeculares in 88 AD.
