I just got this one a couple of weeks ago and decided to use it as a learning coin for taking pictures. The pictures are far from perfect but way better than last try. Augustus AR denarius minted 18 BCE Obv. CAESARI AVGVSTO with laureate head right. Rev. SPQR across field, round temple of four columns, in which is a chariot surmounted by small quadriga and Roman eagle. RIC 292, RSC 279, weight 3.41 grams
A total winner, and nice pictures. That's one Emperor I'm saddened to say I do not yet have. Not because I can't afford it, but because I keep finding too many cool new coins of Emperors I already have coins for, and end up getting them instead of making room in my budget for Augustus. I'll eventually get him, but not before I finally get a Nerva, Titus, and Marcus Aurelius. Heck, I just realised I have like 7 Gordian III but not one single Hadrian denarii. Just a lousy hemidrachm of his. If only I managed my money better.
One thing I can see I should have done different is have the light come from the other side to highlight the portrait. Otherwise the picture is pretty darn close to the coin in hand.
First, that is a wonderful coin. Love it. Second, try the light from the top right so that Augustus's face is lit. Or try bouncing the light to try to even out the light across the coin. I can't emphasize enough how much I like that coin!!!!!
I was looking at the coin more closely with a loupe since it was out of the flip and noticed some small lettering above the G and V in AVGVSTO. Was this the die engraver correcting a mistake? It shows pretty well in the picture.
I enlarged your image by several times. I do not think that is lettering, but I can't offer any idea as to what it may be.
Fantastic coin!! LOVE the portrait and that incredible reverse!! And the photo's pretty damned good too
Maybe I have spent too much time looking at errors on Bust Half Dollars and Large Cents with all the over dates and other strange things. Here is a close up of the area.
Which is why you should part with one of your sweet Augustus denarii and let a pair of younger eyes enjoy it...someone like for example, me!