I picked up these from the family of a deceases amateur collector a couple of days ago. I think I have them correctly identified, but please correct me if I am wrong or if any look dodgy. Also, all of them have old red wax on them, which I understand was the way of attaching labels in the Victorian days. Should I remove this? Someone suggested on another forum that leaving it added to the provenance... Caracalla Denarius S6903: Julia Domna Denarius S6588: Roman Republic Denarius, anonymous issue S76: Trajan Denarius RIC60:
I like all four of those denarii. I would think that since the labels are no longer attached, you would want to get rid of that gunk on the coins. At least, I know I would. I do wonder what it may have done to the patina underneath.
I agree. It appears to be a natural shellac of some sort, which should be able to be removed in just a very brief soak in 100% acetone. It will probably reveal a bit of bright silver on those places, but it should tone up relatively quickly.