Yet another example of how images can make a coin look so different...

Below are two sets of images of a Proof 1880 Morgan Dollar I handled recently. The first set was shot head-on, and made the coin appear to be darker than it really is, especially about the peripheries. The second set was shot with the coin at a slight angle, in order to show the mirror surfaces (and to some extent, the color) better. Please feel free to guess the grade that PCGS assigned to it.

 

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The first image makes me think 64 Cam but the second looks like a 66 Cam.
I'll guess PCGS gave it a 64.

 

First set shows a lot of hairlines on the coin and the second set doesn't. I have no clue or experience with grading these proofs - but the first picture makes it look like a PR60 and the second like a PR65. The difference is amazing.

 

Big difference in pics! IMO with all the hairlines the coin shouldn't grade over a 64. So I'll say PR64CAM.

 

PR66 - CAM. I do not thing those "scratches" are really scratches.

 

Nice pics Mark. That second photo was probably really tough to shoot... I've tried to photo proofs to get color and they are very tough. Did you use a diffuser of some sort to get rid of glare???

I'll guess 63CAM, but I wouldn't be surprised if I was a point or two off either way since I've never had a proof dollar or looked at very many.

 

I think that's how many people make such a profit on eBay. They know how to take very appealing pictures. I don't think they have to photoshop them, just know how to take good pictures . . . and they probably make a killing on them.

I haven't bought a coin from eBay in about 18 months. I gave up on eBay!

 

Those photos are pretty good. Mark, Did you take them?

I'd guess the coin graded 63 CAM, and suspect harlines limited the grade.

 

In order to expand on Mark's example, here are three shots of a coin that also has a Mark also handled some time ago:

Regular single-bulb (how I take most of my photos)


Radially diffused light (aka lampshade method):


Reflected light (single bulb):

 

One last thing... this radical change in how a coin appears depending on light is far more common on proof coins than it is on business struck coins for some reason.

 

I am guessing those scratches are on the holder, the second photo is much nicer, I would guess a pr-67. My grading guide does not go higher than that

Here is what Making the Grade says for a ms 67 grade "marks must be small and difficult to see, luster full, strike is full, eye appeal is exceptional"

 

Before I knew any better, I bought this one uncertified at a local auction because I thought the colors were really pretty and didn't think the hairlines were a big deal But of course, NGC didn't like them when I tried to get it certified... still looks really pretty at certain angles.

 

The coin was graded Proof 63 by PCGS. There are a lot of hairlines that don't show up, even in the first set of images. However, it looks like an obvious cameo (but was not designated as such) and is quite flashy, with deep mirrors, which also don't show up well in the images.

Doug, in answer to your question, I have no doubt about its proof status and believe you would feel the same way if you were to see it in hand.

 

Yep - my local shop had a proof trade dollar - looked really nice tilted(like yours), but looked just like you second picture when looking straight on. I passed on it cause the hairlines were so bold, more like damage to me.

 

It's really wild what can be hid with an image.