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Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 143  7 May 2024
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Lot 250
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Estimate: 1250 CHF
Minimum bid: 1000 CHF
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The Dioscuri Collection. The Roman Republic.
C. Hosidius C.f. Geta. Denarius serratus 68, AR 18 mm, 3.94 g. III·VIR – GETA Diademed and draped bust of Diana r., with bow and quiver over shoulder. Rev. Boar r. and attacked by hound; in exergue, C·HOSIDI C F. Babelon Hosidia 1 var. Sydenham 903a. RBW 1458. Crawford 407/2 note.
An extremely rare variety of this issue with a serratus flan. Lovely light iridescent tone,
a minor mark on reverse field, otherwise about extremely fine

Privately purchased from Aureo & Calicó in 2004.
This interesting variety, noted by Crawford from a previously unique specimen in Leu 2, 334, has the obverse legend arrangement of Cr. 407/2, but is serrate, like Cr. 407/1. Furthermore, it exhibits a distinctive fine style that is closer to Cr. 407/1 than the crudely engraved Cr. 407/2. Charles Hersh, who also owned an example of this variety (now in the BM), jokingly attributed such issues as the work of two Jewish die engravers: "Gross" and "Fein". In a recent article (NC 2010, pp. 96-97), Pierluigi Debernardi cites this specimen, the Hersh-BM coin, as well as two additional examples of this variety. He concludes that it represents a transition between the production of Cr. 407/1 and 407/2; I believe that he is correct (RBW).
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