Tiber Patina?

[Douglas]

Joe has added the following Nero Sestertius to the Forum catalog, and it is described as having a "Tiber patina". What is this exactly as this is the first I've heard of it.


<a href="https://www.forumancientcoins.com/catalog/roman-and-greek-coins.asp?vpar=55&zpg=20460" title="Photo Sharing">[/url]

Doug

(I have to add, I wish I could afford this coin. Click the image to go to the sale page)

[Marius]

The term "Tiber patina" originated from bronze coins found in the Tiber that do would not have a mineral patina but they do have a golden brown tone that people often like.  So people commonly describe bronze coins that do not have a patina, but are nicely toned, "Tiber patina".  This is only a description of the metal surface and not a claim they came out of the Tiber.
Richard

[Jochen]

It is claimed that this special yellow patina occured if a bronze coin stays for a long time in clayey earth or mud. These coins are found often in the alluvial sand of the mouth of big rivers. Sadly this patina is often rough and granulous. If it is smooth it raises the value of the coin.

Best regards

 

[Douglas]

Thank you both for your replies. That was very educational.

Doug