These are my ancient coins. I know nothing about them, save for the fact that I like the one that says "NIKE" the most. Wasn't that the name of an ancient god? I'm a tad rusty on mythology
and the rest. I know they are probably super common, and in terrible shape, and may even hurt the eyes of the more serious ancient enthusiasts, but they are mine. Can anyone more familiar with ancients tell me what I have? Thanks for looking, either way!
Nice coins, i like the desert patina. The first coin is byzantine:Justin II (565-78 AD), bronze follis, Nikomedia mint, struck 569-70 AD,*Obverse: Justin holding globus cruciger and Sophia holding cruciform scepter, seated facing on double throne.*Reverse: Denomination (M = 40 nummi), ANNO to left, reg. yr. 5 to r., mint NIKO in ex. The coin with "the deer" is actually a VRBS ROMA she-wolf feeding twins. Neat bunch of coins.
Yes, its from the city founding story of Rome. The two twins were found by a she wolf and nursed back to health. They then founded Rome, but got jealous of each other and Romulus killed Remus. That is why its Roma and not named Rema.
Yes, "nike" means victory, and is an aspect of Athena, as in "Athena Nike." But the exergue of the coin in question actually reads "NIKO," as in Nikopolis, the city where it was minted. It is also where the name for the famous shoe brand comes from.
wow, thanks guys! very cool stories behind these coins. is olive oil the best way to remove the dirt and green patina? I tried it once with one of them but it didn't seem to do much... I only really want to be able to see the design on the few that are completely obscured by junk.
The patina is not something that should be removed during the cleaning process, it is a chemical change in the surface of the coin itself. Once you've gotten all the dirt off that's about all you can do. The ones you posted look pretty good to me, I don't see them getting too much cleaner. Certainly you could try to get more dirt off. But you want to keep any patina intact
Personally I use distilled water and change the water every few days. You can get it for free from runoff from AC or dehumidifiers. I never found olive oil much use except to darken coins. After a while use brass tools, (make them from sticks bought at hobby stores), and scrape off. Brass is softer than bronze, so will nto left scratches. Of course never do this on silver coins.
ok, thanks for the input guys! I will probably just leave 'em alone... well... I may try medoraman's suggestion on that one
