Deposits on this Constantine

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Johnnie Black, Feb 6, 2023.

  1. Johnnie Black

    Johnnie Black Neither Gentleman Nor Scholar

    In order to complete my “Eyes to Heaven” trio I purchased this DAFNE reverse type knowing that it had some deposits. The coin is nearly uniform black but the deposits are a lighter color. In your opinion is it possible to remove these safely? I may start with a distilled water soak to see if they soften but would like other opinions about what to try or if I should even bother.
    57D8B852-B1EA-4CF3-B965-A97BA52AEC0A.jpeg

    74959440-C93A-4951-94D7-626572496DE5.jpeg
     
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  3. Inspector43

    Inspector43 Celebrating 75 Years Active Collecting Supporter

    Soak in distilled water and then lightly remove the deposits with a toothpick. It may take several sessions. However, sometimes soaking will bring other imbedded material to the surface. Then you have more cleaning to do. And you risk weakening the bond between the details and the body. The metallurgy back then was not great.

    I say leave it alone.
     
    panzerman and Johnnie Black like this.
  4. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    I think the coin looks fine the way it is. If you wanted a deposit free example, you should have paid up. ;)
     
    robinjojo and panzerman like this.
  5. Johnnie Black

    Johnnie Black Neither Gentleman Nor Scholar

    Yep, I have been on the lookout. I have searches setup on Numisbids and Vcoins. A perfect EF showed up in ‘21 or ‘22. I put in my max bid and it was blown out of the water. Someone got a really nice coin.

    RIC rates some of these as rare. It may be that there’s not enough interest for more to show up at auction rather than true rarity.

    There’s a nice one on vcoins but that seller isn't getting money from me.
     
    panzerman likes this.
  6. Orange Julius

    Orange Julius Well-Known Member

    A fun coin! I’d try a gentle dry brushing with a cut down toothbrush, then leave it alone.

    Here’s mine that I got extremely lucky to snag for $38 all in.

    ConstantineIConstantinopleRIC32.JPG
     
    GinoLR, sand, panzerman and 5 others like this.
  7. Johnnie Black

    Johnnie Black Neither Gentleman Nor Scholar

    Wow, that’s a beauty. You got an absolute steal at that price.
     
  8. The Meat man

    The Meat man Supporter! Supporter

    Beautiful! I'll give you $39 for it. ;)
     
    panzerman and Orange Julius like this.
  9. Victor_Clark

    Victor_Clark all my best friends are dead Romans Dealer

    I've got one...but the obverse legend is missing.

    Constantinople_DAFNE_Anepigraphic_E.jpg
     
    ancient times, GinoLR, Kiaora and 6 others like this.
  10. robinjojo

    robinjojo Well-Known Member

    I'd leave the coin as-is. The lighter deposits provide contrast and enhance the coin's appearance.
     
    Johnnie Black likes this.
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