Bronze Disease - Return or Keep?

I wanted to get some opinions on this. I know the coin isn't 'attractive' at first glance, but I bought it because it was a chance to get a Roman Republican litra at a good price (<$40, sold and shipped), even if it was more a ghost of what it had once been. There's still excellent detail if held at the right angle.

I knew that it had probably suffered from bronze disease in the past based on its pitted appearance, but the seller assured me that it was not suffering from any bronze disease and had a good, stable patina. Now that I have it in hand, I see that the circled pits on the reverse are all filled with powdery residue.

While I have reached out to the seller to inform them of this, I haven't decided yet as to whether I should ask for a refund, a discount, or what. What would you all do, were it in your hands?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Treat it.
I have a Nero on its way that has BD worse.
I guess the difference being that I and the seller already know it is there.

 

Unless you bought it at a price good enough for you to treat the BD, I would return it.

 

I'd return it.

 

I'd return it if you're confident it's active bronze disease(hard for me to tell from the photo). This is a common enough type that you can get another one.

 

Price wise, it was under $40. So I believe cheap for the type. I believe it is bronze disease, don’t know about active. It’s soft, powdery and green, though.

 

I'd return it as well.

 

I would treat it as it still has such good detail and only cost $40, worst case you will lose the patina but you will save the coin for future generations to enjoy. He is a link to my only experience and success with BD......https://www.cointalk.com/threads/my-first-case-of-bronze-disease.283504/

 

@Ancient Aussie, I think you did a great job treating that coin, even with the loss of the patina. I am still undecided, but part of me leans towards keeping it.

So far I've treated one coin (very minor case, I think it's done but I'm too scared to say) and a fibula (very bad, still in process). It's certainly distressing. But I have to weigh the price, overall condition, and the trouble. I'd certainly like to save it.

On the other hand, a VCoins seller should know better if asked directly.

 

I'd ask for a discount then treat it. Should not be hard to correct the situation, and you wont find many at that price in any condition.

 

bronze disease is no problem to me you dont see the hole coin thats not good, thats on me

 

I'm with @Ken Dorney. Great price and fixable. That or you can make $10 and sell it to me for $50 PM me if you would like to

 

..there you go...that should narrow it down purdy quick..

 

If you have successfully treated bronze disease before, I see no reason why you shouldn't keep this coin and treat it, too. There are many different approaches to treating BD--I assume you used a method that didn't destroy the patina, correct?

 

It was cheap, it is a coin you wanted and it is already there. Treat it and add it to your collection!

 

After seeing the advice here and taking some time to consider it for myself, I’ve decided that I will keep and treat it. I’ll start the same way I have with others, which is gentle mechanical removal followed by distilled water soaks. Anything that might damage the patina will be saved for later.

Despite the interest, I’m not trading it off just yet

 

Does this have a kind of BD that will cause it to disintegrate over time? The patina is very uniform over the faces of the coin. It will powder off if the edge is scraped with fingernail.

 

BD or not.. The coin looks awful. Sell it for fifty bucks, lucky man.

 

OK- so I know this coin has little monetary value- it was only a dollar or so. It is just that it is VERY different from any coin I have ever owned or even seen. Maybe you find them in uncleaned lots or bargain bins in such bad shape but I still have not handled one like this. The whole coin has a thick apple green almost shiny patina- maybe some fixative was added- not sure- it is not that shiny so I think it is natural. It is just interesting how the chemical processes have done this. it does look two thousand years old anyway. Maybe all the bronzes will look like this if they hang out in a puddle for a century or so and then dry up. here is a better photo. If anyone has experience with a coin like this please post it or tell me whether it will last much longer. It appears to be stable except for the edges. It is a curiosity if anything. HYGEIA on a coin like this.

 

Hard to tell if there could be any bronze disease in it. My advice is to get a toothpick and gently poke at any areas you think might be infected. If powder comes out, you have a problem. If not, don't worry about it.

There's nothing at all wrong with having some rough coins in your collection. Some of my rougher coins are some of my favorites!

As for my coin, I've begun treatment. I'll post better photos once I finish or if there is any significant change. So far it seems like the worst pitting is only in the fields, which is good.