help with Plotina Sestertius

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by limmle, Sep 6, 2020.

  1. ernstk

    ernstk Active Member

    what is up with all your positivity? Please give a generous offer to @limmle let's see how honest you are in your generosity lol
     
  2. Avatar

    Guest User Guest



    to hide this ad.
  3. limmle

    limmle Active Member

    Thanks to everyone who's commented on my Plotina. It's reassured me that my coin is OK. At worst it's had a tiny but of "work" which seems hardly noticeable. I love Ancient History and I love collecting ancient coins. When I bought it, I was thinking about the story of Plotina and her important role in the succession of Hadrian, and the opportunity to own a piece of that story, not about re-sale value or investment (so sorry everyone - the coin is not for sale:)). Having said that, its always good to know whether your coin is genuine or not and the fact that its a relatively hard to get coin being offered at a good price helps sweeten a deal.

    I have a budget limit so Im happy to buy historically interesting coins which aren't in great shape. I recently acquired this Trajan Circus Maximus sestertius. It's in very worn condition on the reverse, but I love the coin because of authentic historical representation. Again, I'd never afford one of these in EF or VF condition.
    Screen Shot 2020-09-07 at 2.34.26 pm.png
    TRAJAN AE sestertius. Rome mint, 104-107 AD. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate head right. Reverse - [SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI], The Circus Maximus, seen from outside, with partial view of the interior - obelisk of Augustus in the center, and metae at either end of the spina; on right, lap-counter, SC in exergue. RIC 571. 33mm, 23.3g.
     
  4. Pishpash

    Pishpash Well-Known Member

    I think the two are the same. I would love to have it.
     
    DonnaML and limmle like this.
  5. Herodotus

    Herodotus Well-Known Member

    Coins of this very desirable rare type -- SEE: "Plotina Sestertius" consistently sell for multiples of 4 figures in VF condition, and some well into 5 figures in XF condition.

    The more you know..

    Consider yourself educated on the matter now. Read more. Post less.
     
    Ryro, buckeye73, DonnaML and 3 others like this.
  6. Roerbakmix

    Roerbakmix Well-Known Member

    Just ignore @ernstk (I've since this thread pressed the 'ignore' button - press his name, and look for 'ignore' in the user screen).

    Imho, it's the exact same coin, but something happened to it between 2016 and 2020. It's difficult to judge based on photo's alone, but there might have been bronze disease on it (2016) that's removed in 2020, see examples below:
    2016:
    upload_2020-9-7_12-12-40.png
    2020:
    upload_2020-9-7_12-13-3.png

    2016:
    upload_2020-9-7_12-13-30.png
    2020:
    upload_2020-9-7_12-13-45.png

    note how the S from S C has a more pitted appearance; overall, the appearance of the coin is more pitted and rough.

    I would not be surprised if they treated the coin for bronze disease, and then coated it with a wax. This is not wrong per se: it avoids the destruction of a coin. However, I would definitely be on the lookout for new instances of bronze diseases. Also, I would apply acetone to the coin as to remove the wax (if any).
     
    Broucheion, Limes, DonnaML and 3 others like this.
  7. limmle

    limmle Active Member


    Thanks so much for this detailed information. Really helpful. I’ll keep my eye out for bronze disease (I’ve had the coin since February, no trace as yet). Why is it a good idea to remove any traces of wax? I have some pure acetone and will try it if you think it worthwhile and won’t damage the coin.
     
  8. Spaniard

    Spaniard Well-Known Member

    @limmle ..Nice pick up!.......Agree with the consensus, same coin, ex BD and has had a little bit of work done to it....Must say though whoever worked on this coin new what they were doing and did it with a lot of TLC......
    Difficult and rare little lady to find...Congrats.
    I have one but nowhere near as rare as the OP coin.....With my low budget I never thought I would ever own a coin of hers....Luckily sharp eyed @Finn235 spotted this one at an auction missattributed as Agrippina II......
    Plotina, AE18 of Gordus-Julia, Lydia. 98-117. Magistrate Poplios.
    Obverse..ΠΛΩTEINA CEBACTH, draped bust right
    Reverse..EΠI ΠOΠΛIOY ΓOΡΔHNΩ, Zeus seated left, holding patera and sceptre.
    BMC 18.
    plot black.jpg
     
  9. Pishpash

    Pishpash Well-Known Member

    I hit the ignore button too. This would be poorer place if all the contributions looked like a CNG catalogue.
     
    limmle, Ryro, Alegandron and 3 others like this.
  10. ominus1

    ominus1 Well-Known Member

    ...'just keep away, your feelins' might be hurt, you green blooded half breed"... scotty day of the dove.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2020
  11. ancient coin hunter

    ancient coin hunter 3rd Century Usurper

    Nice coin despite the wear. Rare coins often are only available in this condition.
     
    limmle and DonnaML like this.
  12. Kentucky

    Kentucky Supporter! Supporter

    I think I would leave the wax alone. Nothing to be gained by removing it. BTW, can you remove wax with acetone? I would think xylene would be a better choice.
     
    limmle likes this.
  13. Blake Davis

    Blake Davis Well-Known Member

    The Forum ancient coin site has an excellent area with many examples of fakes - if I suspect a coin that is the first place I go - more often than not they have examples if it is fake coin I am considering purchasing
     
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page