Ave!
Colonia Viminacium, Moesia Superior, Aemilian, RARE!
Æ; 26mm/10.6gm Struck ca. 253 AD
Con/ Uncleaned; sharp legends of both sides with sound green patina
Obv/ IMP CM AELVS P FELIX AV; laureate draped cuirassed bust right
Rev/ PMS COL VIM; Moesia standing left, arms outstretched over bull on left facing right and a lion on right facing left
Seller's Note/ For serious collectors issues from Colonia Viminacium, Aemilian is pretty much the Holy Grail as he barely ruled for only two months. In nearly every case of such issues the legend should read - IMP C M AEMIL AEMILIANVS AV or similar. Our legend does not match this, as noted above.
Why? Our only explanation is that this issue was struck so early in his reign, perhaps in his just the few days, that the celators were not sure sure how to inscribe his legends?
Either way, this is a Very Rare issue!
For cleaning, it's just soft dirt. DW soaks, hand-held tools and Bob's your uncle. Wax and flip!
Not sure why, perhaps due to the alloy (?), but Viminacium issues tend to accrue spectacular green patinas and this is one.