Question about using a scanner to take coin photos

So I was visiting a friend today and talked to him about my new interest in taking pictures of my coins to share online. I mentioned some of the problems I've had (pictures coming out too dark,etc.). He suggested I try using a scanner. Actually, he was nice enough to give me an old Canon LIDE 20 and a USB cable (that he bought about seven years ago). I thanked him and took them home. Being pretty computer-illiterate, I was not optimistic about getting it to work. This evening, I went to the Canon website and was able to download and install the software and drivers. I was very excited when I hit the 'Scan' button and the contraption whirred and came to life (I've never used a scanner before, so I felt a little like the proverbial 'kid in a candy store'). My problem is that no matter how much I play around with the controls (either on the scanner itself or the user interface on the computer screen), I can't get the images of PCGS and NGC slabbed coins to focus properly. They always come out somewhat blurry with the coin identifiable and the words on the label being legible but far from sharp. I've looked for a 'focus button' on the scanner and on the CanonScan toolbox (a type of user interface where I hit the 'Scan' button). But, alas, none exists. The default editing software that my scanned images open up in is called 'Microsoft Photo Editor'. Again, there is no tool that allows me to bring the coin image into better focus. I've noticed that when I put a raw coin on the scanner, the images come out much sharper. So apparently sharpness is a function of the distance between the coin's surface and the scanner surface. Since I can't take the coin out of the slab to let it lie flat on the scanner surface (well obviously I could, but I don't want to for obvious reasons), how can I get the image into focus? Perhaps I need a better, newer scanner that has a focus tool? My friend mentioned to me that this was a relatively inexpensive scanner even when he bought it seven or so years ago. So maybe scanning images of things like coins is beyond its capabilities.Any tips or explanations would be greatly appreciated. I apologize in advance for my technical ignorance and ineptitude

 

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Just use a camera. Coins in slabs are elevated enough off the surface of the scan bed such that they will always come out blurry, plus the coin is between both plastic and glass (scan bed) from the optical device scanning it. Flat bed scanners are for flat objects placed against the glass, like a sheet of paper or bank note, not a coin in a slab or 2x2. Not only this but the scan element lamp will reflect unfavorably off the surface of the slab creating reflections or unnatural colors to appear on the coin from refraction of light through the slab. Scanners are best for bank notes and cameras are best for coins. Coins in slabs take special consideration in your lighting and camera set up to image correctly. Just run an 'advanced search' for numisphotography or photographing coins here on CT to dig up scores of threads on the topic with tips and tricks for better results. Avoid scanning coins, it's just not worth the headache for the less than adequate results, not matter what the next poster tells you to do with a scanner.

Scanning coins

 

The coins are not on the scanner platen so they'll never be in focus.
Try scanning a non graded coin by placing it on the platen (glass) then gently closing the scanner top these scans should be much sharper.
I've scanned a lot of older currency and all sorts of coins that are not in holders and all came out well.
A few months ago I tried to scan a four coin set of AGEs (coins in plastic holders) the results were of such
poor quality I didn't post them to CT and I'm not about the remove them from the plastic holders.

 

K>Avoid scanning coins, it's just not worth the headache for the less than adequate results, not matter what the next poster tells you to do with a scanner.

Chris, your psychic abilities continue to amaze me. :smile

I agree with you using a camera is always better and he's never going to get a usable scan of coins in any kind of holder.

 

Lol! :thumb:

I was more worried about the type of poster who always refutes what the first respondent says, only to confuse the OP more. While scanners are great they just don't shine on coins favorably, in fact, they do an excellent job of showing off all the problems a coin may have rather than it's beautiful characteristics.

 

I didn't write my reply as a challenge to your post. When I started writing my reply your post wasn't there. I didn't see it until after I clicked on the "Post Quick Reply" button.

 

I do totally understand.

 

scanners suck ...for coins

...and paragraphs help :devil:

 

Thanks folks. It sounds like you've saved me a lot of wasted effort and frustration I've thought about getting into bill collecting. I guess I can save this scanner for that day

 

I agree with ' krispy'. Also some scanners have focal points which only allow them to scan objects that are flat on the surface
of the scanners plate. When objects are elevated blurriness occurs. Other scanners like my Epson Perfection V200 Photo Sanner keeps objects in focus even when elevated a quarter of an inch. I just lucked out getting it. Much more expensive scanners have controls to adjust for elevatated objects... But as krispy stated all the luster of coins are lost. Even tilting them to improve the luster is very time consuming and fruitless.
Cameras are they way to go but proper lighting is absolutely key for good coin shots. A good camera stand or tripod is a must too. zeke