This Trajan sestertius cost $25. It was complete encrusted in oxides and minerals. I thought I could release it from its tomb. there was a distinct layer of iron oxide, under which was a layer of gray (something). Maybe it was lead to smooth out the surface? Who knows, but it was an attack on two fronts. Process: 1. Sodium thiosulfate for the iron oxide deposits 2. Sodium hydroxide for the mineral encrustations 3. Vinegar for general purposes After the above treatments, I tossed it back into thiosulfate and promptly forgot about it. 3 days later I fished it out, finding that I had started to pit even more than befor. Whoops. at least the color looks reasonably natural. Hopefully it’ll tone up in 20 years Can anybody attribute this? I tried Apollo with a caduceus but didn’t get any matches.
Maybe Aequitas? ( I could be wrong though) https://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/trajan/RIC_0498.jpg RIC 498
Is RIC 503 , Pax standing left, holding branch and cornucopiae, foot on Dacian captive. https://www.ikmk.uni-kiel.de/image/ID201/rs_exp.jpg http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.2.tr.503_sestertius
Nice one! With singig's ID I can read that SPQR and probably more if I had it in hand. Send it to me We may be sharing the same artist's work, and Optimo had not gone to Dacia yet: Trajan, Bronze As, Rome 99-100 A.D., RIC II 410 IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M TR POT COS III P P S C
TBH... The obverse is an improvement -- as the cleaning brought out some better details in the profile(he looks like he's cracking a smile). However, It looks as if the reverse was adversely affected. I suppose, a worthwhile gamble for the price of a family-size pizza, I suppose. Thanks for doing these experiments and posting the results.
I agree that the reverse took the short end of the stick. I believe that me forgetting about it and leaving it soaking for 3 whole days was quite detrimental. Before that 3 day session, the reverse was much less pitted and better lookin. live and learn, I guess. $25 for a Trajan sesterius is still good I think no matter the condition
I think this is the dupondius version of the OP - Pax stomping on a Dacian. It won't win any beauty contests either. Trajan Æ Dupondius (103-111 A.D.) Rome Mint IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER [DAC PM TRP COS V PP], radiate bust r., with aegis / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI SC Pax standing left holding branch & cornucopiae; foot on Dacian's head and shoulders. RIC 505 var. (no aegis). (11.15 grams / 27 mm)
Sodium thiosulphate dissolves AgCl and AgBr, but as far as I know, it doesn't do anything with iron oxides? Care to explain your procedure?
That’s awkward. I don’t know, I just know that in the past I had two silver coins covered in what appear to be iron oxides, orange colored rust. No other chemical put a dent except for thiosulfate. I just assumed it worked in iron, at least it does for me
