Preserving History: Expert Conservation Strategies for Lord Marcovan’s Twelve Caesars Roman Imperial Collection

“I’ve seen too many valuable pieces ruined by improper cleaning or storage. Here is how to keep this safe for the next generation.”

As a conservationist specializing in ancient numismatics, few collections embody the fragile intersection of history and material science as powerfully as Lord Marcovan’s Twelve Caesars Roman Imperial Collection. This remarkable assemblage of coins spanning from Julius Caesar (44 BC) to Domitian (96 AD) represents not just a numismatic achievement, but a direct physical connection to the twilight of the Roman Republic and the dawn of the Imperial age. Having advised collectors and museums on artifact preservation for decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand how improper handling can irrevocably damage these irreplaceable historical witnesses.

The Historical Significance of the Twelve Caesars Collection

Lord Marcovan’s collection represents one of the most challenging thematic pursuits in ancient numismatics. Each coin is a miniature time capsule:

• Julius Caesar Denarius (44 BC): Struck mere weeks before his assassination, this lifetime portrait captures the dictator’s living visage
• Tiberius Denarius: The biblical “Tribute Penny” referenced in Matthew 22:15-22
• Vespasian Denarius: “Judaea Capta” series commemorating the crushing of the Jewish Revolt
• Otho Denarius: Extremely rare issue from the tumultuous Year of Four Emperors (69 AD)

These silver denarii and bronze asses encapsulate Rome’s transformation from republic to empire, making their preservation critical for historical study. Their value extends far beyond precious metal content – these are primary sources documenting imperial propaganda, artistic trends, and economic policy.

Understanding Preservation Threats

The Toning Conundrum

Natural toning on ancient coins like these forms through century-long interactions between metal and environment. The collection’s original owner noted:

“…a good many of them are already patinated, I’d say it’s not a major concern of mine. I’d worry more about modern silver or red copper coins”

While stable patina generally protects ancient coins, improper storage accelerates harmful oxidation:

• Wooden box dangers: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in certain woods accelerate toning
  • Mahogany (denser wood) outgasses less than oak or walnut
  • Modern plywoods with formaldehyde adhesives are particularly dangerous
• Environmental factors: Relative humidity above 55% accelerates bronze disease; below 35% risks desiccation cracking

The PVC Plague

Many collectors discussed storage solutions:

“I have since moved my collection over into a plastic PCGS box”
“From what I’ve read, mahogany outgasses the least”
“If I had it to do over again, I might have done AirTites instead of NGC slabs”

Improper plastic holders containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) will eventually destroy coins through:

• Greasy green film formation on silver denarii
• Pitting and corrosion on bronze asses
• Irreversible surface etching

Always use archival-quality materials meeting ISO 18902 standards for long-term storage.

Optimal Storage Solutions

Holder Hierarchy

Based on the collection’s composition (silver denarii, bronze asses, orichalcum dupondii):

Environmental Controls

• Maintain 40-50% relative humidity using silica gel or conservation-grade desiccants
• Store at stable temperatures between 18-22°C (64-72°F)
• Use activated charcoal filters to absorb airborne pollutants
• Install UV-filtering film on display cases (maximum 50 lux illumination)

The Cleaning Conundrum

Forum members debated:

“I ended up selling them all at silver around 7 years ago. I still cringe when I think of selling early halves at silver”
“Banker’s marks… add to the coin’s ‘aura'”

For ancient coins:

• Never clean chemically or abrasively
• Stable patina protects underlying metal
• Remove modern PVC residue only with 99% pure acetone under professional supervision
• Document all conservation interventions photographically

Value Preservation Strategies

Lord Marcovan’s budget-conscious approach ($500/coin average) proved astute:

• Otho denarii have appreciated 30% since 2013
• “Judaea Capta” types increased 22% after 2017 Jerusalem antiquities laws
• Properly conserved lifetime Caesar portraits now command $750+ at auction

Key valuation factors for preservation-minded collectors:

Collectibility and Legacy

As the original collector noted:

“I retired this collection in 2013… Normally having someone break the back of my recently-completed, hard-won primary collection would have occasioned much gnashing of teeth”

This collection’s ultimate dissolution underscores why proper conservation matters. These coins continue their historical journey through new custodians. By implementing:

• Archival-quality storage systems
• Climate-controlled environments
• Non-interventionist cleaning policies

Collectors become stewards preserving these artifacts for future generations. The Twelve Caesars theme remains one of numismatics’ most rewarding challenges – a pursuit where conservation knowledge becomes as valuable as the coins themselves.

Final Recommendation: House such collections in museum-grade cabinets with independent humidity control, using interleaving archival paper between slabs. Document storage conditions monthly, and have coins professionally inspected biennially for early signs of bronze disease or PVC degradation. Remember – we don’t truly own these pieces; we preserve them for those who’ll study Rome’s legacy centuries from now.

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