When pricing coins, there are many factors that come into receiving an accurate estimate. The coin quality, condition, and the exact piece all matter in achieving the correct value. Instead of lugging your coins into shops or locations, it's now more common to to get coin appraisals online. To get the best appraisals, the photos that you take for an online submission should feature the best quality possible. By using the following photography tips, you can easily capture your coin collection and get a true value when submitting the images online.

Macro Lens

Coins may be small, but every little detail counts when trying to determine the value of them. The best way to capture these details is with a macro lens. A macro lens features a curved pieces of glass that allows the camera to get close up and capture all the tiny details.

The type of camera that you are purchasing depends on the type of macro lens you should use. For example, if you are taking images with a smart phone, then you can purchase a small macro lens add-on piece. The lens attaches to the camera lens of your smart phone and allows you to take detailed images. For digital SLR cameras, you can purchase a macro lens that attaches directly to the camera body. A macro zoom lens will give you composition options and allow you to get closer or further away from the coin by twisting the lens.

Coin Lighting

Proper coin lighting will ensure that you have the proper details to fully showcase your coin. One of the hardest things to remove on a coin is glare. When a direct light shines on a coin, it creates a bright glare that may make it hard to see specific features.

Use small LED lights and position them down on the coin. When you have a light coming from each side, you can reduce both shadows and glares to create authentic lighting. You should shoot the images indoors and shut off all other sources of light. This will help keep the lighting even. Try to avoid using a direct camera flash. A flash will create a sharp glare right on the center of the coin and may make it harder to obtain proper focus.

Photo Angles

The easiest way to capture money images is by shooting them straight overhead. This is where the lighting tips come in handy. When you're positioned straight overhead and the light sources are on both sides, there will not be any shadows placed over the coin. As the coin lays flat you can capture the front side, quickly flip it over and capture the back side.

If you're using a camera tripod, you can also choose to stand the coin straight-up if that's easier for you. A clear photo frame or plastic stand is the best way to position the coin. Work on capturing an angle that is as straight as possible. This will help give you the best view of the coin and its condition.

Coin Photo Backgrounds

As you plan to submit coin pictures, you want to have minimal distractions. This even includes the backgrounds that you choose. Luckily most coins are small enough so you can simply place them over a piece of white paper. This will help the coin stand out and also allows you to see the proper colors. Table textures or other backgrounds can take away from the coin and change the impact it has in the photo.

As an alternative, a light colored and solid table cloth will also work to help make the coins stand out. Just keep the material as flat as possible so that the coin can be seen. As you capture images, you will see how the different backgrounds can change the way a photo looks.

When capturing images, remember to maintain focus and select the sharpest images you took. Do not attempt to complete any photo editing or manipulation. Send them straight as the camera file so that the appraisers can see the true look of the coin and give you a proper value.

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