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Roman coins?

Okay, so I inherited these old coins which seem to be roman by looking at the face. My question is, is there somebody on here which can identify these coins more or less an expert in old coins (I'm not sure that there roman just assume) all I know is that they were found in a sunken ship. So if somebody can identify them I'll email you a picture, so just let me know. Thanks!

Of course, you can upload the photos to a site like photobucket, and post the links here so that we can all look at them.

2008-04-08 19:32:49 by amon | Posted in Hobbies & Crafts

How do I clean uncleaned (dirty with patina) ancient Roman coins? with vinegar?

I have several uncleaned ancient roman bronze coins, and would like to clean them safely to remove the centuries-old patina and dirt. This is a project for me and my 4-yr old son. Thank you!

Cleaning artifacts can devalue them. I'd proceed with caution if you later plan to sell them. In any case, I'd begin with the most gentle methods and work up as needed.

I would start with plain old hot water. Put them in a glass baking dish and pour steaming but not quite boiling water on them. Stir gently with a wooden spoon and let soak for 15 minutes. Remove and swab dry with a fairly fluffy towel (a washcloth would be good).

The nice thing about using a sequence of cleaning techniques is that some coins won't need as much as others and also you get to appreciate the gradual revelation of detail.

2005-12-17 14:41:35 by trojan fan | Posted in History

What was the value of the Roman coins during the Roman Empire?

I found a list for the coin system (http://www.unrv.com/economy/roman-coin-denominations.php) but what was the generic translation into life, for example how much would a loaf of bread cost? I know it depends on the economy at the time and the where they live. Let's say Rome. When Caesar gives the people money in his will. What is that worth to them? Also what would be the average day wage?
Thanks CanProf, do you have any cite for that?

4 sesterces a day for casual labourers would be a wage, a 1 lb. loaf of bread was a quarter of a sesterce

2008-06-19 09:15:20 by Mike | Posted in History

I want to buy ancient Roman coins directly from the source. Who knows a source I can buy from?

I want to buy ancient Roman coins directly from the source, the actual archeological dig site and people who found them. I would like to get their contact information to do business with them directly. No middle man.

You are out of luck. Both Julius Caeser and his Treasury Secretary have been dead. Of course it is only a rumor, but to the best of my knowledge they are not dealing any more!

Seriously, the only "source" is a reputable dealer, unless you want to buy by the trunkful in which case you can go and make a deal with a museum which usually makes a bid for larger batches than they can store or display.

2006-08-02 14:14:37 by Coin Collector | Posted in Hobbies & Crafts

I own $10,000 worth of old English and Roman Coins. Where is the fastest and best way to sell them?

Last year I purchased 1500 old roman and english coins off my friend. I love the coins but I really need to sell them and get my money back. Where would be the best and quickest way of selling them.

2008-12-03 17:03:34 by Derek S | Posted in Other - Business & Finance

Does anyone have experience purchasing ancient Roman and Greek coins?

I have done some initial research on the internet. It appears that there are many coins which can be purchased for fairly reasonable prices (under $100).

I have no idea who is reputable and who is not. And I have read several articles about the Bulgarian companies that produce fakes that flood the market. Are there methods to personally verify that you have purchased a legitimate artifact instead of a fake, other than the sellers guarantee?

Are there so many fakes that it's a roll of the dice? How can a person verify that he is getting the real deal?

I am mostly interested in Greek coins 350 BC - 150 BC and First Century Roman coins and I am sure these are often faked.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, guy o. I'll ask the first one I see.

Lets get you pointed in the right direction here. Bob Reis writes a column in World Coin News called From A to Z. He is a well know dealer in World coins ancients through some what modern coins. Remember 1400 AD coins are considered modern. You can go to his site www.anythinganywhere.com or email him direct at reisbiz@earthlink.net. Also even though Frank Robinson sells a lot of Oriental coins, he has a mail bid sale a few times a year on Greek and Romans, these mail bid sales are well know to ancient coin collectors and is also a top notch guy. I buy lots of Oriental coins from him. Unless you really know your coins keep away from eBay and other on line auctions. The rule is buy the book before the coins. Also try www.bitsofhistory.com as well as www.romancoin.com. These last two sites are run by Thom Bray who also writes a column in Coin World magazine. He too is top notch. Hope this helps. I too like Greek and Roman coins and have some, but my main interest is in ancient Oriental coins. I had to add this, just because a dealer belongs to the ANA does not make him honest, a lot are not on my list to do business with ever.

2007-05-02 13:56:47 by Father Guido | Posted in Hobbies & Crafts

What is the QUICKEST way to remove deep dirt from Ancient Roman Coins!!!??? HELP ME OUT PLEASE!!!!!!!?

I bought 10 coins, all of which are over 1500 years old. But I cannot remove the dirt quickly. And I do not want to scratch the surface of the coin. I need to get the dirt off to see what I have!!!!! PLEASE DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY REMEDIES!!!! THANKS SO MUCH GUYS!!!!!!

quick is bad. try olive oil (a long soak)

2008-01-26 19:11:42 by Willy M | Posted in Cleaning & Laundry