Diana and the Calydonian Boar

This one came in today in an NGC slab and was quickly "liberated". I know some others here have at least one of this moneyer's types as well, though this is the much rarer serrate variety that I haven't seen many of. The obverse features Diana(the Roman equivalent of Artemis) and the reverse relates to the story of the Calydonian boar that Diana sent to ravage Calydon. More info here for those interested.

Let me know what you think of the photo. This was a quick experiment with a new photography technique based on some tips that I think I originally saw Doug Smith posting about where the coin is placed on top of a CD spindle. It's far from perfect but my first try turned out well enough that I think I'll try it again and hopefully it will turn out even better next time.

Roman Republic AR serrate denarius (19 mm, 3.50 g). C. Hosidius C. F. Geta, moneyer. 68 B.C. Rome mint. Bust of Diana right, draped, with bow and quiver over shoulder; behind, GETA downwards; before, III·VIR downwards. Border of dots / Boar right, wounded by spear and attacked by hound; in exergue, C·HOSIDI·C·F. Border of dots. Crawford 407/1, Sydenham 904, BMCRR Rome 3386, RSC Hosidia 2.

 

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I like it a lot, red_spork ...

I have one of those cool examples too ... very cool addition!!

 

Very nice details and strike! I am not a photographer - I will offer that the light from the right (3:00 into the face) is a little strong. Perhaps filtering it a bit? However, that aside... I want this one! NICE!

 

Yeah, I'm going to try to find a diffuser of some kind in the next few days to avoid the hotspots.

 

nice indeed RS!

 

Nice coin! And see, being graded did not keep you from buying it Just curious, what did they grade it?

 

Great coin, would like to get one of this type eventually.

 

It was graded XF, no strike/surface grade. Being graded didn't stop me from buying it, but only because I was able to negotiate what seemed like a comparable deal to what I'd expect to pay at auction after fees. It's the first time I've actually convinced a seller to give me what I considered a good deal on a graded coin. But I'd definitely buy one(and crack it out) again if I found another attractively-priced slabbed ancient that I wanted.

 

I'm glad to see that you released the poor coin ... atta-boy, red_spork

 

Nice coin red. My coin has a puny dog in comparison.

 

I almost wonder if the serrate & standard varieties of these coins were minted at different mints. The dog, the boar and Diana herself are all in very different style on the serrate varieties even though Crawford lists Rome for both.

 

red_spork => note that the GETA is behind Diana's head for the bigger-dogs (the serrate examples) and in front of her head for the smaller hounds ... we had a similar thread not too long ago.

 

I prefer the light from a much higher position, much less directional and much more diffuse. As it is the light is harsh raking across the surface.

The coin is nice but I could never call it XF with the dog head merged into the boar as it is. Mine is the other type obverse, weakly struck and worn to fine.

 

It's definitely not an XF and I had no misconceptions buying it. It's a coin I like, but that i wouldn't call an XF/EF and I didn't pay anywhere near XF/EF prices for either.

 

As a beginning, try shooting the photo without light directly on the coin. Either bounce a lot of light around the room (I shoot in a closet for this reason) or shoot in open shade either outside or near a window that brightly lights the room but does not fall on the coin.

 

I have the more common weasel-dog variety. I do like the Diana on your coin very much, as well as the more muscular dog, and would like one of that type as well.

I'm looking forward to additional pics with more diffuse lighting.

 

great coin, Z (looks like a giant rat)

 

Excellent photo, Z.

 

+1 and Excellent coin Z

 

This turned out a bit better by bouncing light off walls instead of onto the coin directly. If I get home from work before it's too dark I may try with daylight tomorrow.