This is corrosion or more gunk to be cleaned?

[seawolfssn]

Got a nice little Valentinian I coin cleaned up as best I can.  The obverse is very nice with a clear portrait and full legend around the edge.

The reverse is not so nice, I've cleaned enough to see some of the legend and bring out the central image.  But I'm afraid to do anything to the bottom and bottom right of the coin.  I'm not sure if it's corrosion that's permanantly destroyed those areas or just more hard dirt to clean off.  I'm leaning towards the former since I do see some dirt that's clearly covering pits.  But if it's gunk, I could probably get a more legible mint mark but I'm probably being too over-eager, yea?

I've soaked and scrubbed and everything else came up pretty nicely so it's almost likely corrosion.

I should just wax it and be happy with this nice find, right?

[Lee S]

This case seems to be very much a personal call.... I have no doubt yo could bring out a bit more detail with more cleaning, but perhaps you will lose more of that attractive green patina,  ( Im pretty sure that is what it is, it dont look like BD from your photos..) , Personally I prefer a pretty coin over exact attribution, so I would wax it and call it done!! 

[areich]

This coin has either been chemically cleaned or damaged by being in acidic ground. The green is what's left of the patina.

[seawolfssn]

Yeah definitely not BD, the light I've got washes the picture out and it's very pale looking but it's definitely patina.

And if the coin has corroded in those areas and re-patinated like that on top of it then that's as good as it's going to get so I'll call it done.

Thanks for the second opinions

Wax ahoy!

[Lee S]

Please post a "post wax" picture, as I am sure it will look much nicer... It will be interesting to see!

 Regards,
Lee.