Here are six photos of three 1940s Mercury dimes - obverse and reverse - from my collection. I took these photos myself. Enjoy!
Good work. Those look like attractive coins. If I may offer suggestions: work on your focus. They are all slightly out of focus, although the top coin is the most out of focus. Also, what kinds of lights are you using? These coins are lit well enough to see the details, but it appears to be some sort of diffuse lighting. I'm not seeing any luster at all, which I should be able to see on coins of this grade. Showing the luster is an important part of coin photography. So, good pictures, and I can't wait to see how you improve!
It's important to feel satisfied that you are doing a good job, but remember that self-improvement always stands between the best and perfection. Good constructive criticism PF . . . hopefully, it is taken that way, and the OP's skills will strengthen considerably over time. I am often far from satisfied with my own photos, but feel that I have grown a lot since learning from other folks here on CT.
Thank you. I actually take these photos with my Samsung phone in early morning light (which is diffused lighting). Ealrly morning light makes me able to go directly above the coin without making a shadow below. I take my photos specifically to show detail, color, relief, and toning, which luster can often hide. I do not normally focus on luster, but you are right that for many luster is very important on high grade specimens. I will try to capture their luster and post results soon for the same ones above.
That is better with the luster, but your focus issues are even worse. Is there a macro mode on your camera (sometimes it has a symbol of a flower)? Camera phones aren't really intended for coin pictures, which makes it tricky - but you're doing a pretty good job with it.
