Indeed.....I have NEVER used software manipulation on ANY of my coin photos other than to resize for web use. With the proper lighting and camera angles, I find I can bring out most of the color properly....but there definately are exceptions. I've had many coins that were huge fails with my cheap Canon SD700 camera, limitations of the CCD or something.
I am with you Robec!!!! I have one to substantiate your point. Here is an iPhone photo of an 1886 Indian Cent (shot in indirect sunlight) vs. a TrueView. I can tell you that the iPhone photo is COMPLETELY RAW and not enhanced (post-processed) in any way (you can tell by the slab label color and my thumb color, which both look completely "normal".) A lot of collectors don't realize that when you see an "over the top" looking TrueView photo, they reflect "over the top" coins. Also most toned coins show different looks at various viewing and lighting angles. So a toned coin can take on tens or hundreds of different "looks" and what is captured in a photo is just one look.
Here is a good example on how a toned coin can change colors depending on the angle ... white ... coppery brown ... pink ... blue ... other angles more purple.
Beautiful cent (though it's strange how dark they left the top of the obverse -- the motto gets lost in the shadows).
I think this was one of Phil's attempts trying to catch the watery look of the mirrors. Too bad 2D doesn't show all the characteristics. Most of the time if you try capturing one element, you will miss on several others.
Even with the shadows, the proof cents you and Winged are putting together are just drool-worthy, no matter how you slice it.
Kudos to Robec. This might be one of the most beautiful mint state Lincoln toners that I have ever seen. EASILY top 3. Perhaps top 2 or top 1. And given that it's from the RARE RARE RARE toner year of 1959 makes it doubly fantastic and superb. It's practically impossible to find toned 1959's.
I have to agree. I haven't seen as many as Lehigh or Bad Thad, this one does seem to have it all. We both know it was a lucky steal.:smile
I've been informed that this PCGS66 1936-D Buffalo received a GOLD sticker at CAC this week. Yay! jom
Just a quick low priced buy! Looks like a decent strike for the date/mint 54-s This 1950-d isn't mine yet but, I would like some opinions if anyone wants to comment.
1909 Matte Proof Lincoln. PCGS Secure Plus PR64 RB. TrueView photo was just shot yesterday! The color (both sides) is just stunning and the obverse gloss is monstrous.