Photo tips: Choose a backing that is solid and a color that contrasts with the color of your specimen. This will help the camera sense/focus on the subject coin Find the best distance where your camera maintains a sharp image and where it fills the viewer with little magnification. This way you can enlarge areas when editing/cropping images Use lighting from multiple angles. This will reduce the shadows that can obscure details. Note, however, that in some instances, a single light source and angle could be desirable. For instance, on a worn coin (e.g., an almost dateless Buffalo) or a greaser like yours, an angled light might catch details with a shadow. Filters: white plastic bags, coffee filters can diffuse light to keep from creating glare, reflections, and hot spots Indirect lighting/reflecting light helps keep the light levels up but without the glare. With time and experimentation you’ll capture the details you want.
1995. put a drop of vinegar on the date and it should pop right up. I wouldn't worry about damaging a Zincoln, but that's just me.
Not a Wide AM. Three things to look for: Even spacing between A and E (i.e., M is evenly spaced) Font of the FG (no serifs) Spacing even and no tilt of the second T in STATES