Photographing a Coin Collection
Mar 15, 2012 09:28:01 #
erandolph
Loc: La Pine, Oregon USA
I am about to embark on a long put off project of photographing a coin collection. The coins are all encased in sealed hard plastic cases about 2 X 3 inches in size.
I think the challenge will be avoiding reflections on both the plastic case and the coin itself.
Any technique suggestions would be most appreciated.
I'm guessing a light tent and a len with a polarizer would be a good place to start.
TIA for your advice.
I think the challenge will be avoiding reflections on both the plastic case and the coin itself.
Any technique suggestions would be most appreciated.
I'm guessing a light tent and a len with a polarizer would be a good place to start.
TIA for your advice.
Mar 15, 2012 09:34:12 #
donrent
Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl
I would think that the coins should be taken out of the plastic case (using medical type gloves), laid on black velvet and using tent of bounce lighting would be best way to show any detail...
To shoot thru those plastic cases would be next to impossible to do...
To shoot thru those plastic cases would be next to impossible to do...
Mar 15, 2012 09:38:38 #
Use the same 2 light setup as photographing any flat object, straight down with the lens and a light to each side at 45 degrees. Shouldn't need a polarizer this way.
Mar 15, 2012 10:18:35 #
erandolph
Loc: La Pine, Oregon USA
The cases are sealed by the coin rating association. Opening them would greatly decrease the value of the coin. Good idea, but not a option in this case.
donrent wrote:
I would think that the coins should be taken out of the plastic case (using medical type gloves), laid on black velvet and using tent of bounce lighting would be best way to show any detail...
To shoot thru those plastic cases would be next to impossible to do...
To shoot thru those plastic cases would be next to impossible to do...
Mar 15, 2012 10:19:30 #
erandolph
Loc: La Pine, Oregon USA
MT Shooter wrote:
Use the same 2 light setup as photographing any flat object, straight down with the lens and a light to each side at 45 degrees. Shouldn't need a polarizer this way.
Thanks, I'll start with you suggestion and see how it goes!!
Mar 15, 2012 11:46:41 #
erandolph wrote:
Using a macro lens (flat field) and the suggested lighting, will provide your best image.MT Shooter wrote:
Thanks, I'll start with you suggestion and see how it goes!!Use the same 2 light setup as photographing any flat object, straight down with the lens and a light to each side at 45 degrees. Shouldn't need a polarizer this way.
Mar 16, 2012 09:00:32 #
I did coins for a store within their plastic cases. Had no problem with them. They came out great. I just searched around for the best lighting. I set the case upright within the best lighting and shot straight on. Really came out great.
Mar 16, 2012 09:08:22 #
Mar 16, 2012 10:58:24 #
I also shot coins for a client, I used a little suction cup and a soldering arm attached the cup to that and lifted the coin (in a plastic case) off the material I was using both bottom and back leaving no chance for the material to be in focus and used a 100m macro. Worked really well and they were happy campers.
Mar 16, 2012 15:05:46 #
I had luck using a flatbed scanner. An Epson 1660. Put a bunch of coins on it, scanned, flipped coins, scanned again. Cropped & separated with Photoshop.
Mar 16, 2012 15:25:53 #
Mar 16, 2012 15:43:39 #
A really good book (soft back) on the subject is "Numismatic Photography" by Mark Goodman. I got it used at Amazon a couple years back. Chapter 15 is dedicated to "Imaging Slabs" a.k.a PCGS plastic holders. He also goes into some very low light (LED Flashlight) shots and the angle at which coins should be shot for the highest definition.
Mar 16, 2012 16:26:40 #
Mar 16, 2012 17:29:57 #
Here is a great article online about photographing ancient coins. The techniques and set ups shown & discussed will work well for you. Enjoy it !!! http://dougsmith.ancients.info/photo.html
Mar 16, 2012 17:32:26 #
GC likes NIKON wrote:
Here is a great article online about photographing ancient coins. The techniques and set ups shown & discussed will work well for you. Enjoy it !!! http://dougsmith.ancients.info/photo.html
The above link also has a link to his article about using a scanner to record coin images. The results shown amazed me in their quality...............
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.