Proof Coin Photography

To me it can take more than just one image to show the true look of a coin.

 

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I like those clash marks, Larry.

 

Yes that is true and sometimes I have resorted to making a movie of the coin to show its reflectivity or eye appeal.

Ruben

 

True. A person can hide so much with just one.

 

It would be better if you came to Arizona so I could see it in hand :kewl:

 

Both.

You really need two shots to even start to accurately portray proof coinage, IMO.

 

p.s. if I had to choose only one, I would choose #2 -- it more closely shows how the coin looks normally in-hand.

 

Hello Lehigh,

If I have to pick one of the two, then I prefer the traditional photo #2 for proof coins. I think photo #2 has the potential to show the detail needed for a technical grade. For this traditional proof coin photo I'd like to recommend using completely diffused light.

You probably need more than one photograph to more completely describe a toned proof. Lehigh (you) once suggested to me that "toning appears better if you take the photo at a very slight angle, not straight on". I'm now getting some decent photos of toned proof surfaces using this Lehigh suggestion along with a couple point sources of light. Therefore, I'm going to recommend two photos are needed to completely describe a toned proof; one traditional style & one Lehigh style.

Very best regards,
collect89

 

Let me explain how I made my first light diffuser. I took a piece of drafting paper (thin translucent paper) and curled it into a tube about 5" diameter & 11" long. I just placed this tube over the coin & shot the camera down the tube. You shine your light(s) onto the outside of the tube so that the light radiates from all directions onto the coin inside. It is a really cheap & affective light diffuser.

There are really nice parabolic shaped light diffusers available but the piece of drafting paper is cheap.

Very best regards,
collect89

 

awesome proof coins!!

 

That's a great tip, worth repeating!