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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;dougsmit, post: 8011916, member: 19463&quot;]Copyright of photographs of three dimensional things (like ancient coins or mountains) is an interesting thing. Ansel Adams took many fine photographs in the Yosemite Valley and had perfect right to copyright those images.&nbsp; However, he did not own the mountain in the photo or have any rights to other photos of that same scene even if the second (or ten thousandth) photographer stood in the exact same spot when he snapped the photo.&nbsp; Photos of ancient coins belong to the photographer (or his employer who contracted the creation of the image) but do not transfer automatically to subsequent owners of the coin.&nbsp; Most dealers in coins have absolutely no problem with a buyer using their photo but that is a matter of contract or choice for them.&nbsp; Similarly, when CNG sells me a coin, whether or not they allow me to use their image, I am perfectly free to create a new photo of that same coin and have full ownership of that image not only while I own the coin but after I sell it.&nbsp; I am not a lawyer but I recall that the rules are a bit different for 2 dimensional objects (lawyers, check me on this).&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>Certainly, owning and having physical custody of an object has advantage over just having the photo since you remain in control of creating further images (among other benefits like holding the things in-hand).&nbsp; Would it be possible to collect <i>only</i> photos of coins (by taking them or being allowed to have them by their creator) but not to collect coins?&nbsp; Certainly.&nbsp; Many dealers and professionals in the field do not collect actual coins.&nbsp; Would that be a viable hobby for the rest of us?&nbsp; When the cultural property obcessed politicians who wish to make private ownership of anything against the law have their way, it may be the only hobby left to us.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>Next question:&nbsp; Is there any such thing as a photograph more desirable than the thing itself?[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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