Hi, Yesterday I was at Aspendos an old Roman site in Turkey, My boy and I was wandering down a track looking at an old Roman viaduct when a farmer came to us begging for money in German. As we where flying home that evening I gave him all our loose change, he put in my boys hand these two coins ? I know nothing of coins ? Does anyone know what they are or a little bit of there history ? Are they even fake ? Thanks Dave
If they are real,and I suspect they are,they predate the Roman occupation of Pamphlyos Aspendos by several hundred years.The designs are in the Greek style but are probably homegrown.Aspendos has a rich history of coinage and there were several mints there starting in 420BC.Unless there's a thriving market there in fakes,your guy probably found them in the ground or bartered for them with someone who did.Just a guess. That being said,you don't see a lot of Greek coins with no lettering on them,usually designating the city they were made in or a mintmark.I can't tell from your photos.Also can't tell if they're silver or bronze.That makes a huge difference in value. Here are two examples of coins from Aspendos,you can see some similarities.
Clean Up Hi, Thanks for the info, will I spoil them by cleaning them up? What should I use to do this ? They look to me to be Bronze. Thanks Dave
I wouldn't clean them unless they have loose dirt on them and then only with water and mild detergent.The dark patina that they have acheived will only enhance their value but if you clean any of it off,you will reduce it by a substantial amount.You can also soak them in olive oil for a few days without doing any ill effects.This apparently does no harm to the patina but will clean off any loose stuff that has accumulated in the cracks. If you live anywhere near a dealer who sell ancient coins,I would take them in for authentification since there are a LOT of fakes and reproductions out there.There may also be someone on this forum that can help out with thist since I am far from an expert.
Hello inet-projects I would certainly NOT clean them at all. The risk of spoiling them is to high IMO Cucumbor
