Well,
I am at the point where I do not think I can improve the coin much more, the patina/encrustations ( it is difficult to differentiate between the two on coins like this ) softened up nicely using
Gringotts, but unfortunately the underlying metal is quite
pitted and corroded so after removing as much as I dare from Apollos hair, and from around
Nike and the
bull, I smoothed everything a little using a 320 grit dremel
smoothing tool, then
applied Jax Black/brown to areas of bare metal with a cotton swab, waited till I was happy with the colour, then brushed off under the tap. I then dried the coin using my usual method ( sitting it on top of the toaster!! ) then waxed and polished.. Done!!
Here are true "Before" and "After " photos... Although not the best result I ever
had from a coin, I am very pleased to finally own a MFB, and even more pleased because I cleaned him myself...
All I need to do now is ID him, ( any
help appreciated, I'm leaning towards
Neapolis,
Campania,
Italy, c. 270 - 240 B.C. but no where near sure... Guys???
)