Coin Photography, Shooting Encapsulated Coins

Taking decent pictures of encapsulated coins can be slightly more difficult than shooting raw coins.  A significant difference is, now you have to deal with unwanted reflection from the coin and the capsule.  However, as long as the glare does not obscure anyone's ability to assess the coin, you're OK.  Take for instance the first picture, by no means a great shot but, you can still make out the coins surface and most of the label (see photo #1).  Following that shot with a closeup of the coins surface gives the buyer a better opportunity to judge the coin (see photo #2).  Next, let me give you a tip on shooting with an Apple iPod or iPhone non-glare protective cover.  This is a thin, non-glare film, sold at most locations that sell mobile phones and is intended to protect the phone's screen (see photo #3).  This film can be reapplied many times to encapsulated coins.  It will remove the glare associated with most lighting (see photo #3).  The downside is that it will also lessen the sharpness in detail (see photo #4).  Let me give you another tip on attaining that "just right" camera angle.  Invest in a kneaded eraser (see photo #5).  These are sold at any art supply store for less than a dollar.  It is a soft, pliable rubber, material that can be shaped like poster putty.  It has a very low tack property and will not leave any residue on the capsule.  It can be shaped into any size and used like a miniature easel to get that perfect angle (see photo #6).  In fact, here is another tip, it can be utilized to pick up minor amounts of adhesive left on capsules from price tags or stickers.  Just press it against the adhesive hard and pull it away fast.  Don't ever use liquid adhesive remover on NGC or PCGS capsules as they are not waterproof.  One last tip.  If you have a toned coin, shoot it next to a known value.  In photo #7, you see a sunset orange Buffalo Nickel sitting on a One Dollar Silver Certificate.  This technique lets the buyer realize that the toning has not been produced with picture software. 

If you found these tips the least bit helpful, how about clicking on "YES" below?  Thanks, beetleman

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