I have these coins but cannot figure out their origins. I think they are Persian. Does anyone have any info?
Can not immediately name the ruler for you, but can tell you that the pictures in your lower photo have to be turned 90 degrees counterclock wise. This as the picture displayed is likely a fire-altar, fitting with your Persian suggestion. OK, quick lookup: It's Sasanian, Ardashir I (224-241 AD)
Thanks that gave me a starting point. http://www.acsearch.info/record.html?id=527201 Apparently they are rare according to this. I have to do more research.
I'd like to get some of these uncleaned though, someone did a terrible job on what would have been beautiful hoard coins....notice the bright green traces even after severe cleaning.
The red you see on the one coin isnt from cleaning. It looks like a paint or old leather that has decayed on the coin.
Many of these come rough. The red is a type of corrosion. Don't assume you could have made it better YOC, copper does not survive well in this part of the world due to soil conditions. This is why sassanid copper is scarce. The soil is much more acidic than anywhere in Europe, even England which is noted for its acidic soil.
What were the circumstances of the find/subsequent cleaning, because these have been cleaned. I do assume I can do better, because in most cases I can and have. Its how I make my living.
The coin is an issue of Ardashir I King of Persia. The second smaller bust on the obverse is crowned prince Shapur I. A 45 counter clockwise turn of the reverse will give you the correct orientation. I collect a few of these and am by no means an expert but you can also look here. http://www.grifterrec.com/coins/sasania/sas_ardI_2.html and probably this one.....one of the last ones... Ardashir I (224 - 242 AD) AE Unit 26 mm. 10.58 gm. Mitchiner ACW 807; Sellwood ISC 11 (type VI); Gobl SN VII/2 (plate II/20) Diameter of obverse dotted border=n/a; diameter of reverse border=n/a Die position=9h Obverse: Bust with long beard wearing close-fitting headdress with globe above, facing bust of his son, Shapur, wearing Parthian-style headdress. Pahlavi legend. Reverse: Fire altar without attendants. Pahlavi legend.
