Imaging coins in the Maguire Collection overview image
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Imaging coins in the Maguire Collection

  • Post Date: 03/16/2016
  • Author: John Holton
  • Reading Time: 2 minute read

Museum assistant Dee Robbins uses our Polynomial Texture Mapping (PTM) dome in the Museum to photograph ancient Greek and Roman coins from the Maguire Collection (2010.08). The coins are photographed within the dome, using 32 lights set at different angles, to illuminate the coin details. Using special software, researchers can then virtually adjust these lights to reveal different aspects of the 3D imagery on the coin.

  • coin image
    We don't know who minted this coin from the Maguire Collection—or where or when it was made! Once photography is complete on the collection, we hope to work with scholars to study and further document these artifacts.
  • coin image (alternate with nearly inverted colors)
    An example of a type of image that can be produced when using special software to view PTM images. The 3D image on the coin looks very different here compared to the previous photo, in part due to the selection of light sources "activated" in this view.
  • coin image (alternate with very shiny, high-contrast surface)
    Another type of PTM-produced image, enhancing the shininess of the artifact.
  • A closeup of a tiny coin inside the large photography dome
    Here, a coin is in the PTM dome and ready for photography. To learn more about how the Museum uses PTM technology, come by the Mesopotamian exhibit and watch the video in the interactive.

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Maguire Collection of Coins (2010.08)