I am just wondering if we are divided by language? The frosting (I think) is the stippled layer behind HM and Britannia. Are you taking about something else?
Yes it did. In 2015 I purchased the proof but not the bullion piece. This year I purchased the opposite, so I never had to photograph the crackle finish until now.
Indeed, I think we are. I like the stippled layer of the fields. Here's an example of a proof coin with frosted devices. I'd like to see the devices on the Britannia frosted.
Well, my coin arrived, and it certainly did prove to be a challenge to image. Here is my best attempt
Mike: What were your sources for lighting (amount, locations, distance, etc...) and what type of bulbs were you using? That is the real secret to photographing these pieces.
I used a single light at about 11:00. Two lights seemed to just make the crinkle effect a mess with light scattered everywhere. The light was a Jansjo LED with several layers of tissue paper covering it to act as a diffuser. The light was maybe 10 inches above the coin and angled. I just had to keep playing with the angle until the correct amount of light was hitting the coin. Hope that helps.....
Also a rip-snortin fine effort photographically. I'm not all that into photographing coins personally, but I still can appreciate good work when I see it.
To the point, seeing the coins is far superior than seeing a photograph of the coin. binocular vision and using variable light sources with your own eye is the way to really appreciate the Britannia. Has anyone one tried to photo the 2015 'Plain Fields' Britannia (mintage: 10K)? Would be curious if the reverse would be improved by not having the matte finish background.