After a new camera purchase and lighting change, I feel I have got a good handle on imaging coins. Since I collect a lot of toners, it was especially difficult for me to capture the color across the entire surface of the coin. I have been expermineting a lot the last few days with different setups. After a lot of frustration and time, I feel the result is pretty good. Most importantly, the images are a good representation of what the coin looks like in hand. At first I really struggled with capturing both the luster and the color at the same time. I feel I overcame that now. Please give me any comments or criticisms. I know there is always room for improvement and you can't hurt my feelings. Well at least about the images. -greg
Wow! I have completely no knowledge of coin photography (yet another area to start/work on), but these pictures look outstanding. Good work.
Ehhhh - do 'em all over again ! I think the color shade is 0.00267 % off. Of course, for anybody else but you that would have just fine
Really nice images! The only one jumping out as "which doesn't belong?" is the 1940 nickel where you have the light behind Jefferson, rather than face-on which I think is how all the rest were shot. Are you adjusting the intensity of light specific for each coin? Some jump out a bit more than others, but maybe that's just how the coins look. Dave
Thanks everyone! Doug, that might be the nicest thing you ever said to me. lol Very good eye Dave! I am impressed. The 1940 nickel was the only one shot with a completely different lighting setup. Yes I am making small adjustments to light position and intensity for each coin. It is really dependent on the coin design, luster, and the toning for the current item.
Awesome toners. I have a 1961 Proof Franklin that has been in a Capital Plastics holder since before I bought it (in 1991). It's now getting a pretty red and blue ring around the edges on both sides. Not sure if it's from the plastic or not, but I hope it keeps developing. The dime and quarter in the same holder don't show the same toning at all. in fact, the dime is downright ugly with black/brown toning on Roosevelt's neck and the quarter is brilliant white except for one spit/carbon spot on "In God We Trust".
No, I do not. I did buy a light box and try it, but it just didn't cut it for me. I am going to tackle some slabbed coins next, see how it goes, and then I will share all of my findings and setup with everyone. I could say in general how I do it, but then I am afraid people will try it and then yell at me because they aren't turning out nice. That's because it isn't so cut and dry. There are small details and many little adjustments that need to be made depending on different factors about the coin. So I thought I would put together a very detailed tutorial. All I can really show is how I do it. Is it the right way? That's a matter of opinion. What really counts is if you are happy with the result. Can I guarantee somones images will turn out exactly the same as mine? Yes! If they have the exact same camera, lights, and coins.
Oh yeah Stang. Whether in capital holders or original mint sets, you will get a large array of different toning on the coins in the same package. Like you said, some won't tone at all and others will go brown/black. When they all have very similar toning, that's when you gotta worry.
Nice images, toned coins are always harder to take pictures of. I always find lighting to be an issue, sometimes it washes out the toning and sometimes it doesn't show the luster. You really have to get the lighting right, and sometimes I find that using cool lighting brings out the shine and color of the coin.
