Verus v. Commodus v. Commodus - Size Matters + photography

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by IMP Shogun, Jan 26, 2021.

  1. IMP Shogun

    IMP Shogun Well-Known Member

    What is everyone's preference for photo size? How do you keep your collection of pictures organized?

    Particularly in this world of less "in-hand" experiences displaying coins to scale takes on a bit more importance.

    Here we have a Commodus Denarius and a Verus dupondius. Very different coins in material, texture, quality, design - the list goes on for a long way. These two pics are to scale:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Lucius Verus dupondius RIC III 1387 Mars 163-164 Roma
    L AVREL VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS
    TR P IIII IMP II COS II S C SC around Mars
    From the IOMEGA Collection
    27mm 11.7g


    While the below provides a much better visual of the actual Commodus denarius, but makes it appear much more similar to the above dupondius just because the size difference is one of the most intriguing contrasts between the two coins (to me!). I know they aren't related in any way, just using them as an example.

    [​IMG]

    Commodus denarius RIC III 159 Felicitas 186-187 Roma
    M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT
    PVBLIC FEL PM TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P
    Felicitas standing left, holding patera and scepter

    17.5mm 2.9g

    Just as we file coins, we file pictures and it helps to stay organized when I'm changing levels in skillset and gear. Replacing groups of images becomes an easier project when I say start using a dedicated macro lens or try new types of lighting.

    I've also improved my pictures quite a bit and wanted to share them and also say thank you for all the great advice given freely here. Very helpful as we progress in this hobby of photography, I mean coin collecting.


    I'd love to see some contrasting coin pairings (color, size, material or quality); also your views on the photography questions are appreciated.
     
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2021
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  3. Mammothtooth

    Mammothtooth Stand up Philosopher, Vodka Taster

    Very nicely done. I am just starting to try and figure out how to do the photography. So, at the other end of the spectrum here is my IPhone on a coffee cup. No scale, no good background and no organization. I will improve, just a matter of time. 596A842F-72FF-4BDA-B9D1-0C49530BAB2A.jpeg BDCF9A49-9A2E-40EC-8659-B0797221CF24.jpeg 805AC97C-ECE5-494C-A49C-30E9CE836049.jpeg
     
  4. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    I have never considered scale when doin coin photos except when making composite images, for example, showing the relative size of the coins. I fear that the majority of my coin images overemphasize faults on the coin which makes the coin, in hand, look better than the photo. I am in the process of selecting another batch of coins for elimination but find that, when I first select from images, I end up giving coins a reprieve when I see them in hand because the faults don't bother me as much 'in hand'. I guess this is to be expected when you blow up a 5mm coin to 10 inches across on a monitor. Because most of my coins were purchased at shows where lighting can be poor, I expect a certain number of disappointments when I first see the coin under a microscope or in a large image.

    Comparison? About all I can offer is a comparison between a coin in a group and one shot by itself. The Athenian obol third from the left appears below in more or less correct size on my computer monitor (your equipment will differ)
    [​IMG]
    and full frame in all its glorious ugliness. Scratches and dents can not be counted when you enlarge this much. This coin is not high grade by any stretch of the imagination but, in hand, it looks more like the tiny, life-sized image above.
    g41220fd0461.jpg
     
  5. JayAg47

    JayAg47 Well-Known Member

    If the seller has better photos, I won't bother taking a new one, if not I just use my phone!
     
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