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Ancient
Uncleaned Roman Coins
[dime shown for size
reference only]
WHAT ARE THEY? They are ancient
Roman coins from the first four centuries. These are coins minted by various
Roman emperors from the time of Jesus to the time of Augustine. Many of these
coins were minted before the Church had her Canon (367) and represent emperors
who persecuted the Church such as Decius and Diocletion as well as the first
Christian emperor Constantine. These coins represent a piece of actual history.
They were held in the hands of your forefathers over 1600 years ago. Most have
been buried in the ground for centuries. Perhaps you will find a coin that the
Apostle Paul held. Perhaps a coin Constantine’s mother, Helena, used to pay
for her trip to Jerusalem to find the cross of Christ. Who knows?
These are ancient. Some of these will clean up to be identified. Some may not,
but they are from the time when the New Testament Canon was being formed. The
Early Christians, who held these coins, did not have the entire New Testament,
as you know it. They were still sorting things out. Set your coin next to your
Bible and ponder the history and antiquity of each – it will inspire you to
in-depth Bible Study.
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
1. An ancient coin is to have a
brown rich patina. That is, it should not be shiny like a new coin.
Rather, a nice color like an old penny. The trick is to remove the years of
dirt, but not the patina.
2. Soak your coin overnight in water (distilled is best, or water from a
dehumidifier or as a last resort, soapy tap water).
3. The next day, scrub with ivory soap using an old toothbrush. The firmer the
bristles the better. Some hobbyists trim the bristles rather short.
4. Stubborn deposits may be picked at with toothpicks, brass scrapers, brass
needles or fine brass wire brushes. Be careful not to scratch your coin and
damage its patina.
5. HOW
DO I IDENTIFY MY COIN?
This takes patience, skill, and
more patience – did I say patience! Many collectors have large libraries with
thousands of dollars invested. However, for the rest of us there are some great
websites to identify your coin: www.DirtyOldCoins.com
and www.WildWinds.com.
This is a fascinating hobby and an entrance into the enchanting world of the
history of the New Testament.
Feel free to e-mail me at:
teeandceeassociates@verizon.net.
Welcome to the fascinating world few understand. It was the world in which the
New Testament was launched.
There are a large amount of sellers of
uncleaned ancients on eBay. Most are good. DO NOT BUY from vendors suggesting
that gold has been found in their lots. This is virtually impossible. No one can
assure you that you won’t get ancient slugs. But, I can assure you that with
the purchase of several coins you will find something of interest.
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THESE WHEN PROPERLY CLEANED?
The short answer is not much. Most
cleaned ones that are attributable (identifiable) will bring five or so dollars.
I have a Theodosius II with a cross reverse AE4 (10mm) that was given to
me as a reject. I saw one just like it that sells for $20. This hobby will not
make you money, but it will make you rich in the study of ancient history and
knowledge of the early church era.
If you have any questions, please
e-mail me. I love talking ancient coins and Early Church History.
The Bear
Gal 6:2
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