Would like your opinion

[Bamba123]

I picked up a few coins with a "desert" patina.  My question is would you leave them in their current state or clean them to show even more detail.  I have a small group of these type coins and am always torn as to what the right thing to do with them might be...

Obv: VRBS ROMA - Helmeted bust of Roma left, cuirassed.
Rev: no legend - Wolf and twins Romulus and Remus, above are two stars.
Exe: SMTS (epsilon) Thessalonica mint: AD 330-333 = RIC VII, 187

Constantine I AE 3
obv: CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG. Laureate head right.
rev: GLORIA EXERCITVS. Soldier standing left, looking
right, reversed spear in right hand, left hand on
shield set on ground.
left field: gamma
ex: CONS
RIC VII 16
Constantinople, 327 A.D.
r3

Any advise would be appreciated, thanks Jim

[Istinpolin]

That is entirely up to your taste my friend.

I would never touch it. Desert patina, in my opinion, is the most beautiful one. The coins look really nice as they are.

Best wishes,
Burak

[vic9128]

your GLORIA EXERCITVS is RIC 22 (head with rosette diadem). I might try to lightly brush these a bit, but the detail is pretty clear. It all depends on what appeals to you though. I don't like how part of the bust is obscured on the GE coin.

[Bamba123]

I tend to agree with both of you (and thanks for the heads up on the rosette diadem victor).  I had a nice constantine I, gloria and cleaned it.  The detail was really good, but the patina was very dark hard to pull out the details.  I think a light brushing and these will stay like they are now.  Thanks for the input, this board has brought me along in this hobby at a furious clip.  I have learned the cardinal rule... don't rush!  Thanks again and any more opinions would still be appreciated.  thanks again, Jim

[gavignano]

I like the desert patinas almost always - unless they are very thick and obscure most detail. I like the VRBS coin as is! For Con I, I might lightly brush the obverse to get a bit more out on the bust. The reverse I would hold. Nice CONS mint!

[Robert_Brenchley]

I'd leave these alone. If you ever want to do further cleaning on one of these, use dry methods only. Chemicals completely ruin them!

[Jerome Holderman]

Personally I would not touch the Urbs Roma, it's perfect as is. The other one I would dry brush with a nylon brush either by hand or gently with a dremel on low to thin out / smooth out the sand just a bit.

Both great coins as is though!