Philip II AE Horseman - to clean or not to clean?

[peterpil19]

Hi All,

I am seeking your opinions on whether I should clean the dirt from this coin or leave it alone.

The dirt can come off readily I think. If the coin was in a higher grade then that would be incentive to uncover the additional detail. As it is, I am inclined to leave it and I think it nicely highlights the features on the coin in a similar way that sandy "patina" would.

Peter

[okidoki]

Dear Peter,

I would leave it, only if there are some details out of sight you could decide to clean it a bit more

best

eric

[Joe Sermarini]

Someone with considerable cleaning expertise, understanding exactly how to optimize the appearance of this coin, decided to leave it just like this. I am very confident any cleaning you do will detract, not improve, the appearance of this coin. Although I don't see any reason to believe the dirt was actually added to improve the appearance, it would not surprise me.

[peterpil19]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

It would be disappointing if someone intentionally stuck dirt on the coin after cleaning it to try and improve it somehow. I am aware that this happens routinely on some coins advertised as having a sandy "patina".

Joe, even though you stated you see no reason to believe that could the case here, is the colour of the dirt a factor which led to your observation? I did think that the colour is lighter than dirt I have typically seen on uncleaned coins. But I bought it cleaned with no idea about its original location so I suppose that location could explain a different dirt colour?

Thanks,

Peter

[Joe Sermarini]

I do not think it is routine to add dirt to coins. It does not bother me, except when it is used to fill and cover pits and flaws (yes, that is done).

I think the color of the earth is typical for many uncleaned coins. The only reason I think it might have been added is, I think it is exactly as it should be for the best possible appearance. Any more or any less, and the coin will be very likely apear less attractive.

[peterpil19]

Thank you for clarifying.

I was referring to those coins which have fake desert patinas, not suggesting it is common to add dirt back onto coins generally.

Peter