Benefactor robinjojo Posted December 3, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted December 3, 2023 (edited) During my wanderings through the offerings of MA Shops and VCoins I sometimes come across an interesting coin that could do with some improvement. This is one such coin. I apologize for the blurry photo, from the seller. I probably should have taken a before snap, but I was quite intent on proceeding with the work at hand. Here's the coin as received from the seller: The coin was coated in some kind of lacquer, probably to smooth out the almost inherently rough billon surfaces. Additionally there are major deposits, especially on the obverse, obscuring some of the portrait detail, also quite typical of this type. So a soaking in 100% acetone was the first step. The lacquer dissolved quickly, leaving the anticipated granular surfaces. The next steps focused on the obverse deposits, and to a much lesser extent the reverse, which are very hard and not removable with distilled water. So, I resorted to naval jelly, applying it on the specific areas for a few minutes, rinsing with distilled water, and assessing the results. This process spanned most of Friday afternoon. The key here is knowing when to stop. Obviously the complete elimination of the deposits is not realistic, so a compromise is called for. Here is the coin as of today, and I do not intent to make any further "improvements". Hadrian, BI tetradrachm, Alexandria, Yr 20, (135/6 AD). Emmett 879; RPC III 6090 24mm, 12.85 grams Obverse: AVT KAIC TPAIA AΔPIANOC ΣEB, laureate bust of Hadrian left Reverse: Nilus reclining left, holding a reed and cornucopia, a crocodile below his elbow, LK (Yr. 20) in field The deposits are still present, but to a lesser degree. They still lend the coin much of its ancient flavor. The reverse is quite nice, which is the primary reason that I picked up this coin for $50, plus shipping. So, please feel free to post your Nilus-themed coins and anything else you please. Edited December 5, 2023 by robinjojo 15 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kali Posted December 3, 2023 · Member Share Posted December 3, 2023 Hadrian (117 - 138 A.D.) Egypt, Alexandria Billon Tetradrachm O: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑΙ - ΑΔΡΙΑ СƐΒ, laureate head of Hadrian, r., drapery on l. shoulder; to r crescent. R: Nilus reclining on crocodile, l., holding reed and cornucopia L Ϛ = year 6 (121/22 A.D.) 23.5mm 13.7g http://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/3/5335/ Severus Alexander (222 - 235 A.D.) Egypt, Alexandria Billon Tetradrachm O: Α ΚΑΙ ΜΑΡ ΑΥΡ СƐΥ ΑΛƐΞΑΝΔΡΟС ƐΥ laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander, r., seen from rear. R: Nilus bust r., draped and wearing lotus wreath; to l., cornucopia on shoulder, r.; in front, palm branch L I = 10 Alexandria Mint 23mm 13.7g Emmett 3122.10 (R3), Milne 3031; Dattari 4331 Rare 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor robinjojo Posted December 3, 2023 · Benefactor Author Benefactor Share Posted December 3, 2023 42 minutes ago, Kali said: Hadrian (117 - 138 A.D.) Egypt, Alexandria Billon Tetradrachm O: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑΙ - ΑΔΡΙΑ СƐΒ, laureate head of Hadrian, r., drapery on l. shoulder; to r crescent. R: Nilus reclining on crocodile, l., holding reed and cornucopia L Ϛ = year 6 (121/22 A.D.) 23.5mm 13.7g http://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/3/5335/ Severus Alexander (222 - 235 A.D.) Egypt, Alexandria Billon Tetradrachm O: Α ΚΑΙ ΜΑΡ ΑΥΡ СƐΥ ΑΛƐΞΑΝΔΡΟС ƐΥ laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander, r., seen from rear. R: Nilus bust r., draped and wearing lotus wreath; to l., cornucopia on shoulder, r.; in front, palm branch L I = 10 Alexandria Mint 23mm 13.7g Emmett 3122.10 (R3), Milne 3031; Dattari 4331 Rare Nice examples! The second has wonderful portraits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Kowsky Posted December 3, 2023 · Member Share Posted December 3, 2023 ROMAN-EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian, AD 117-138 (dated Year 22, AD 137/8). Billon Tetradrachm: 13.36 gm, 26 mm, 12 h. Dattari 1438, RPC III 6250, Emmett 879.22. I won this coin at a CNG E-Auction last January ☺️. 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor robinjojo Posted December 4, 2023 · Benefactor Author Benefactor Share Posted December 4, 2023 (edited) A wonderful coin, as usual, Al! Back in 2020 I was able to acquire an AE drachm of Hadrian with the Nilus reverse from Roma, a mid-range grade coin in about VF. These coins must have seem much circulation, in addition to a wide range of strike quality, as many examples have very little detail LIH = year 18, 133/4 Edited December 4, 2023 by robinjojo 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romismatist Posted December 4, 2023 · Member Share Posted December 4, 2023 You could try dipping it in a hot citric acid solution for 10-20 seconds; on other coins I've found that it reduces those types of deposits. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Ancient Coin Hunter Posted December 4, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted December 4, 2023 (edited) Here's my Hadrianus Drachm Obv: Bust of Hadrian right Rev: Nilos reclining, with corn and crocodile below Fine brown glossy patina Edited December 4, 2023 by Ancient Coin Hunter 7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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