BY REQUEST: A Bronze As of Galba

Aethelred

In another thread harasha and NiceCurrency asked for a coin from Galba, so here it is:

This is a Bronze as that was minted in Sept-Oct AD 68 at the Rome Mint. SR-2138

NiceCurrency

excellent!

Aethelred

Thank you, I like the color (as much as I can see of it) and the style. I used to own an example of the same type, but in lower grade, but like an idiot sold it, so I was happy to find this one late last year.

Aethelred

BTW - Did your Julius Caesar come from another forum member?

NiceCurrency

Yes LordM had that Julius Caesar, I've loved it since I first saw him post it and my mouth was agape when I saw him list it for sale

That Galba has an excellent portrait and the legends are virtually all there


Asses of Galba are much tougher than denarii right?

Aethelred

<< <i>Yes LordM had that Julius Caesar, I've loved it since I first saw him post it and my mouth was agape when I saw him list it for sale >>



I thought so, I had the chance to look at it is person in July, thought I remembered it. It is a great coin and a portrait of Caesar is not an easy thing, hold on to that coin for dear life.

Aethelred

<< <i>That Galba has an excellent portrait and the legends are virtually all there

Asses of Galba are much tougher than denarii right? >>



I think they are about on par, except that finding a nice looking bronze may take a little more time and searching.

Tibor

I am going to ask a question and at the same time show my ignorance. I know that most
collectors like "crust" on their coins but I wonder if the competition across the street could
"curate" this coin like they do U.S. coins?

mnemtsas2

<< <i>I am going to ask a question and at the same time show my ignorance. I know that most
collectors like "crust" on their coins but I wonder if the competition across the street could
"curate" this coin like they do U.S. coins? >>



That sort of shiny green patina is prized on ancients. Don't mix it up with active verdigris or PVC residue on modern coins.

Aethelred

<< <i>I am going to ask a question and at the same time show my ignorance. I know that most
collectors like "crust" on their coins but I wonder if the competition across the street could
"curate" this coin like they do U.S. coins? >>



The best way to learn is to ask. In the case of ancient bronze, it is natural for it to develop a thick coating called a patina. Such patinas can range in color from black to green to various shades of brown and gray, perhaps others as well. To remove a patina would be to do harm to a coin that could only be undone by the passing of ages.