This is a coin i posted before, BUT these new pictures are far better i think. I find copper in general very difficult to photograph, specially with a relatively simple camera as i have. In order to bring out the details as best as possible, and also the color, you need to find just the right lighting conditions, and angle. Here are some new pictures of this 1793 1/2 cent. I believe the pictures show the coin the way it really is. Now the grainy reverse surface is more evident, but also the overall level of detail. How would you guys net grade this coin based on these pictures? Thanks, Eduard
When imaging any coin, but particularly copper, make sure you have a black/dark gray, non-reflective background. You want the light the camera see to come as much from the coin as possible. A white background can turn a nice copper coin into a black disk. If you have to use image s/w to make the coin presentable, you'll be hard pressed to make the color resemble the real coin. I use a piece of dark gray construction paper, the stuff that kids in elementary school use to make things while eating the white paste. BTW, raw coins can be done with a scanner. Just cover them with the same black/dark gray, non-reflective paper, then close the lid. Most scanners do a very poor job on slabs. The coin most often is out of focus.
Thank you for the grade opinions guys. This coin came from J. Kern back in 1986. I still have his old ticket in which he described it as 'pleasing Very Good, slightly grainy'. Kanga, many thanks for the tips on how to take good photographs. I was "proud" of these pics because my usual ones are much worse. Have tried many backgrounds and light settings, but the best conditions for me have been 'window sill at 2 pm on a cloudy day'. What i really need is a better camera. I will need to try a dark/non reflective background as you suggest, and also try a scanner. I love the way S. Yancey and C.V.M present coins on their websites. It brings out the details to their fullest. regards, Eduard
I'm totally stoked that I got the correct technical grade. Early copper's far from my specialty. I guess I've hung around Fish long enough that something actually rubbed off.
There's a lot to like about this coin. One of the impressive things is totally full legends. Even coins with good planchets and less wear don't always have rock solid legends like these. What the heck... I'll give it a try. VG details, corrosion, net EAC 4. Cohen-3, Breen-3, r.3 Good ol' Eduard. Always throwin' down the good stuff !
That does it! I officially hate you now! I melted when I saw it! As to pics, I find that daytime in the shade works well for me. There aren't any shadows being cast and the light is coming in from all sides, so I can get within an inch or so of the coin and get a really good shot and no shadow from the camera and no flash needed. I don't collect half-cents but I have some and will probably start going after them some day. But I would die for one of these! :hammer: Awesome! :thumb: Awesome! :thumb: Awesome! :thumb: Ribbit
I would TPG grade the coin VG details, corroded, net G. I'd EAC grade the coin G 6 details, corroded, net AG-03. But the heck with the grades, I'd value the coin at roughly $2500.
Thanks Leadfoot. I'll see if i can get another another, better picture of my S-3 Chain Cent (with my new/improved photographing skills) for you guys to grade to EAC standards. That is one of the things i regret about not living in the U.S (besides the lower taxes) - not being able to participate in EAC conventions and view all of those lovely coppers....
