Thoughts on condition/appearance of this Theodosius I AE3?

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Dobbin, Aug 27, 2020.

  1. Dobbin

    Dobbin Active Member

    I was the only bidder on this coin and it was cheap, but in-hand it seems odd so maybe that's why. There is a strange sheen to it like it had been cleaned and/or somehow lightly waxed. As a newcomer I don't know what I am looking at as far as condition. It's hard to quite photograph what I mean but perhaps experienced eyes will see what I mean.

    IMG_20200827_173129258.jpg IMG_20200827_173200108.jpg

    Thank you in advance as always!
     
    Bing likes this.
  2. Avatar

    Guest User Guest



    to hide this ad.
  3. Kentucky

    Kentucky Supporter! Supporter

    Possibly Ren Wax
     
    finny and Dobbin like this.
  4. Robert Ransom

    Robert Ransom Well-Known Member

    Looks good to me, but then, I know nothing about Ancients.
     
  5. furryfrog02

    furryfrog02 Well-Known Member

    Looks like it has wax on it to me as well. Probably Renwax or something like it.
     
    Dobbin likes this.
  6. Valentinian

    Valentinian Well-Known Member

    Alegandron and Dobbin like this.
  7. Dobbin

    Dobbin Active Member

    Can a wax treatment be removed? Should I bother is the real question.
    Theo I Obverse.jpg Theo I Reverse.jpg
     
    finny and Bing like this.
  8. Kentucky

    Kentucky Supporter! Supporter

    some waxes are more resistant than others, start with acetone and a toothbrush and then, if no results, try xylene.
     
    Dobbin likes this.
  9. hotwheelsearl

    hotwheelsearl Well-Known Member

    If you don't like the wax coating, just toss it in either vinegar or lye for a few minutes and it should take all the wax right off.

    Beware: wax is often applied to hide something.
     
    Dobbin likes this.
  10. Dobbin

    Dobbin Active Member

    I think for a $7 ancient I'm not going to worry about it other than the desire to understand what I am looking at.

    Thank you all again.
     
    Alegandron, Kentucky and tibor like this.
  11. Kentucky

    Kentucky Supporter! Supporter

    Uh...think I would try acetone and xylene before this. Both vinegar or lye can cause surface changes to metals.
     
    Alegandron likes this.
  12. hotwheelsearl

    hotwheelsearl Well-Known Member

    Yea you’re right, I think I’ve ingested too much lye
     
    Kentucky likes this.
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page