They both are realistic. I think what your asking is which is more attractive. To my eye's the second one is better. The lighting is more natural. It simulates the way we are used to seeing how light falls on real people's faces. It does show the flaw's a lot more than the first. But the look is much more appealing.
The first shot looks like you lit the coin at around 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock at a very shallow angle. The second shot looks like the lighting was moved to 8 o'clock and 1 o'clock and lifted up above the surface of the coin a bit. Lifting the lights above the surface gives a more pleasant and lifelike feel. I think the 10&2 with a higher angle down on the coin would be the best.
Great shots, in all cases. However if you want my opinion, the last shot: as it has less hot spots, and the contrasts are more mellow, hence better eye appeal to me. Keep up the great photography! What camera are you using? Are you using a ring light? GSDykes
The 3rd one is looking better. I'd keep the light on the left where it is, just raise it a little higher above the surface and aimed down a bit. The light on the right I would bring it around almost between 2 and 3. Again bring the light a little higher above the coin and aimed down.
Thanks for the kind words. Canon Powershot G16. I am using 5000K spiral bulbs. Alright. I will give it a shot.
I also took your existing image and rotated it a bit and increased the size of black background a bit so the edge of the coin is not right to the edge of the image.
Nice tweaks. Here is my final shot.... I using limited mobility gooseneck lamps so this may be the best I can get.
In terms of selling, I like the last. It has a nice pop on the top, good for listing. It's amazing what some sellers put up as the front of their listing.
