I collect ancients but I only like uncleaned. I just like to clean them and see what I have. Does anyone have a suggested good source of uncleaned? I understand that they are all a gamble, but, would like to have some chance for quality results.
See this thread from 2018, revived just the other day: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/safe-place-to-get-unsearched-uncleaned-roman-coin-lots.328126/
Generally speaking, bulk lots offered in many auctions are a good source for uncleaned coins. You need to examine the images because there are some cleaned coins mixed in, but often the coins are pretty much "in original condition" often quite encrusted. I just ordered a small lot of sestertii from a French seller on eBay. The middle coin is very encrusted with what some collectors would call a desert patina. I will probably work on the middle coin to see what is beneath the deposits. I suspect it is a sestertius of Gordian III. The other two coins are of Faustina Junior.
