I really like this coin, but the discoloration at 12 o'clock on the reverse has me concerned. Mostly because I'm not 100% whether it's a minor or major issue. So, yet again, the Newbie needs a hand. Can anyone tell me if it's something to worry about? It's not an expensive coin, so I'm not expecting perfection. That mark happens to be something I'm not farmilar with. My concern is whether it's something that will spread and mess up the rest of the coin. I've heard that can happen with AE coins. Any help is appreciated. Valentinian I "GLORIA ROMANORVM Dragging Captive" Siscia RIC 5a gVF Well Struck Valentinian I AE3. Siscia Mint 364-375 AD. Obverse: D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. Reverse: GLORIA ROMANORVM, emperor dragging captive with right, labarum (standard decorated with chi-rho) in left, (dot)(Gamma)SISC in exergue. References: RIC 5a. Size: 19mm, 2.14g. Numismatic Notes: Good VF and well-struck for the type!
Appears to be some sort of green encrustation. Sometimes green or blue spots on a bronze/brass coin can be a form of active corrosion known as "bronze disease" but in this case, it appears to be on top of the coin, so is likely some sort of green mineral encrustation, possibly malachite or similar. At any rate, it doesn't appear to be eating into the coin, so it's nothing to worry about if it doesn't bother you. The only concern I have with it is that it covers up the Chi-Rho which some collectors prefer to be nice and bold on their coins due to the association with Christianity. If it being covered up is not a deal breaker for you, go for it!
I agree with Sporky Also, I bet you could clean that hard green encrustation with @Pishpash's "magic soup".
Perfect. That's what I was hoping to hear...for some reason this coin jumped out at me. It isn't expensive, or even among the type of coins I'd been looking at. But, it seems to be whispering "buy me, buy me." Who am I to argue with a coin? Thank you for the help
That looks like hard mineral encrustation (bronze disease would be softer and one could scrape off powder from it). It's a nice coin otherwise, with an unusually clear mintmark and officina markings.
I like the patina and the style of the Valentinian's portrait. I also like how the Emperor is clearly applying the dreaded middle finger noogie to the captive, who is wearing an early tie dyed tunic.
These coins are very common. If you aren't able to get it looking as nice as you'd like, you can probably find another one in as good a condition without the encrustation for less than $20 or so (in the US) if you look around a bit and are patient. This is one of those situations where eBay probably is a good place to shop.
As the annoying Newbie, I have to admit not realizing this coin was so common. It's the only one I've come across at this point and the asking price is well north of $20. So, based on that, waiting is probably the answer. There is something about Valentinian dragging a captive that seemed truly interesting. If this is that common of a coin, I will wait and get one more in line price wise, and without the mark. Thank you all, yet again!
$20 may be a little optimistic, but certainly under $30 if you're patient. Interestingly enough, I did a little poking around on both VCoins and eBay, and I found these: https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/ro...ia_ric_5a_gvf_well_struck/871681/Default.aspx http://www.ebay.com/itm/Valentinian...485234?hash=item2a8aded2f2:g:pH8AAOSwd~RZQWjq I also found this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Valentinian...749435?hash=item283e1c897b:g:xncAAOSwFnFV-tqJ This dealer has been discussed on this list many times before. He(?) is known for asking outrageous--I would call them insulting--prices for his coins. Several members have said that he will sell a coin for a reasonable price if you contact him and offer one. You might try using the "Make Offer" option on eBay and seeing if he will sell it for $25, which is probably about what it is worth. (Personally, however, I won't deal with this guy because I think his business plan is predatory and exploitative of people new to the hobby.)
That dealer on VCoins is exactly where I was looking, which I'm sure everyone figured out since the mark on the coin is distinctive. The seller was on the list of "reputable" dealers I found on a thread here at Cointalk. However, my usual practice is to only buy from the list of dealers two members sent me privately (usual practice is a stretch too, I've only purchased two ancient coins). This seller isn't on that list...which is why I had questions before buying the coin. Funny, that I asked the wrong question, yet got to the right result anyway. Another testament to the people who make up the Ancient Forum. Yes, I sound like a suck up again. But, on a daily basis I'm amazed at how for people here will go to help. Eventually, I will stop being amazed by it...well, maybe not. But, I will stop pointing it out and sounding like a suck up.
Hmm. I didn't expect the price of the OP coin to be so high! Yikes! I agree with gsimonel-- wait for a similar coin at a reasonable price, or see if the dealer will accept a reasonable offer. Sometimes a collector gets attached to a specific coin for reasons not easy to express, and perhaps that is the case here, but I bet you can find one you like just as much for a half or third of that price. If you are determined to get this coin, try making a lower offer. Several CoinTalk members are dealers or casual sellers and they are honest and upstanding, with reasonable prices. Here are some places to browse (apologies if you are a CT poster and I didn't list you here-- these are just off the top of my head) [Edited to add more names and websites] CoinTalk user name / website Valentinian / http://augustuscoins.com/index.html Ken Dorney / https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/ken_dorney-52/ancient-coins/Default.aspx gsimonel / http://feltemp.com/roman1.htm John Anthony / https://www.ebay.com/sch/jzcoins2012/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from= Also, contact him here by PM for information on weekly private auctions Victor_Clark / https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/victors_imperial_coins-208/ancient-coins/Default.aspx? tbc / https://www.ebay.com/sch/thereturnof4vgvstvs/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from= David@PCC / http://www.poseidoncoincompany.com/index.html Brian Bucklan / www.bargainbinancients.com (and he gives 10% off to CoinTalk members, see details in his CT profile under the "information" tab)
Thanks @TIF I will add these names to where I search for coins. Ken Dorney is among the shops people sent me privately, so he's already a search point.
I've bought two coins from Roma Aeternae Numismatics. He didn't use to be so overpriced, but I noticed over the last year his prices have gotten worse and worse. I don't know why he is doing that, but I would avoid him now. There are some other Vcoins dealers I would caution against too. They will sell you a genuine coin, but fake patina or overpriced. When in doubt, ask us.
Another great dealer for newbies is Ancient Imports. They are also on Vcoins, but they have their own website too at www.ancientimports.com . Great starter coins, and the prices are reasonable. Also try @John Anthony as he always has bargain coins which will be great for you, and his prices are superb. And yes, @Ken Dorney is great too.
@Sallent - Ancient Imports was on the list sent to me privately prior to my first Ancient purchase. Although my first ancient was purchased elsewhere, the Persephone kentoripai was picked up From Ancient Imports. It was a quick, painless deal.
