I have multiple ancient coins (I'm thinking) and I don't know what they are. I'm hoping you can help me. I would also like to know how to clean them to a more readable state. Coin #1 (easiest to see) Coin #2 (don't know which way is up) The only thing you can clearly see really is V. S. A. Coin #3 (pretty easy to see) Coin #4 (face visible) Sorry for the "copied to clipboard" thing. I was taking screenshots just because it was easier. (Also can I get a price range? Prob. not much, but I'd like to know)
Sorry for all the links. For some reason when I created the thread all the pictures turned into links. I will fix this in a moment.
There's still only an error message when you click on the attachments. Just use the "edit post" button, then the "more options" button, and then the "upload a file" option. Once each file uploads as an attachment, click the "full image" button so the image appears within your post. Edited to add: now it works!
I believe that coin is Valentinian, with how the coin was struck and not molded, how portrait faces right, how the how the legend is separated by the portrait, and how the portrait fills so much of the coin. Then using the fact the eye is so large, I was able to deduct it is likely a Eugenius. Then using the material, I deducted many of the coins produced for this emperor. I believe this (From photos), to be a RIC IX Lugdunum 46 (392 AD - 394 AD).
The top says (missing)STAN IVS PF AVG which should be DN CONSTANTIVS PF AVG so that one is Constantius II. I can't tell what the reverse is. Nor can I tell what any of the others are. There looks to be a DIVO CONSTANTINE (the one with the hood over the head) but beyond that, I'm tapped out. As for value, I would say they are basically worthless money-wise but priceless when it comes to learning and holding a piece of history.
Can you please look at the coin with VSA? Trying to find a picture of it, but I swear, I've seen one before. On the side it says VSA, there was a man standing with a spear/pike in his hand. And another I think where there was a man on a horse with the same VSA. Any ideas?
The top coin is a FEL TEMP REPARATIO--a"fallen horseman"--of Constantius II. The reverse image is upside down. It dated from around the mid 4th century. Second coin is a 3rd century antoninianus, possibly of Gallienus, Third coin is a commemorative of Constantine the Great minted by his sons in A.D. 347-348. The reverse shows Constantine, veiled, standing between the letters VN and MR. Bottom coin is a votive, probably of Constantius II, from the mid 4th century. The inscription is probably VOT/XX/MVLT/XXX within a laurel wreath.
Since these coins are very low value as is, it would not hurt to toss them in household lye for potentially good results. I’ve cleaned a few dozen coins with lye and 80% Of the time you get a great result. Surprisingly, lye doesn’t appear to harm silvering, and can sometimes unveil it from under corrosion. Ingredients: Glass jar Tap water Distilled water Lye crystals (could only find these at the third Ace hardware I visited) Vinegar Steps: 1. Dissolve “some amount” of lye in tap water in the jar. I don’t measure, just toss in a bit. If the jar gets hot, you did it right. 2. Toss coins in and leave overnight. 3. Douse the jar with vinegar to neutralize the basic lye solution. Get a gallon jug and REALLY flood it. Lye can cause serious burns. 4. Pour coins out onto the driveway or sidewalk or wherever. 5. Pour more vinegar on the coins 6. Using gloves, pick coins up and transfer to another glass jar of pure vinegar. 7. Rinse coins under running tap. 8. Transfer coins to any container with distilled water 9. Soak for a minute. 10. Take coins out of distilled, place on towel and air dry. Notes: Lye treatment will usually remove patina and leave yoy with some really dull surfaces. It’s recommended to use Renaissance Wax to restore the surface. Worst case scenario use vaseline. Following the steps above should unveil some good details in the coins. The Gallienus(?) ant is probably the most valuable of the bunch. If you decide to go this route, please post and show us your rn results!
