Fellow numismaphones, I've been browsing Collectors' Corner for a few days now, keeping my eye out for that coin I cannot live without. I notice a seller on there that goes by the name Beantown Coins, and they also have a web site under that name. Every single coin for sale by this dealer on Collectors' Corner has photos taken at sharp angles. We numismatists commonly tell newbies to a) avoid coins with such photos, or b) ask for better photos from a straight angle. That is because unscrupulous sellers have been known to use the sharp angle to hide surface problems. Hairlines, scratches, corrosion, etc. may not show up in these angled photos. Here is one example: http://www.collectorscorner.com/Products/Item.aspx?id=23230481 I've experienced that on this very forum, several years ago! I was working with another forum member to buy a coin from him, and he sent me only photos taken at sharp angles. I asked him for better photos, and never heard from him again! Given that he neglected to reply back, I'm convinced he was trying to swindle me by selling a problem coin. As to Beantown Coins, why is it that EVERY coin they have for sale is photographed this way? Are they trying to dump their poor quality inventory on unwitting buyers online? I find it hard to believe that EVERY SINGLE COIN is a problem coin. Perhaps they are unschooled in numismatic photography? Can anyone speak to this company with first hand knowledge?
I know when I first started imaging coins I had a tough time getting light to the coin when shot straight on. My camera had to be really close to the coin and there was little room to get the lights at the right angle. Maybe the seller is having the same problem. I don't know the seller.
After looking at the rest of his images, it looks like he is using only one light. He has some learning to do.
Never ascribe to malice that which can adequately be explained by stupidity. The guy simply hasn't learned how to take appropriate coin images yet. That's not shocking.
Beantown Coins is David Leventhal, a very reputable seller. I haven't looked at the coins they have listed but, if the camera angle is the same for all coins offered, it is almost certainly only a function of their photographic setup. I would be far more suspicious of a seller whose coins were shot at steep angles from clock positions that varied widely from coin-to-coin. - Mike
I browsed his inventory. I did see the coins taken from angels; however, they all appeared to be graded by either PCGS or NGC. Of those in details slabs, it's noted right on the item description. I don't perceive any nefarious motives by the seller.
I have bought twice from Beantown Coins. Delighted not only with the coins but their warp-speed shipping.
