How to Take Great Proof & DMPL Coin Pictures

Want to take great proof and DMPL coin pictures, or want to learn how sellers hide coin details with light reflections in their coin pictures? Then read the invaluable article on taking proof coin pictures.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Digital camera, black paper or cardboard

1. PICTURE 1
   
   It can be difficult to take pictures of DMPL or Proof Coins due to the reflective quality of the coin' s fields. However, with a little information and some trial and error, one can take good pictures that honestly represent a mirror reflective coin. Also, a buyer can gleam important information using these example in this article for buying DMPL coins.
   
   In this guide I used a 1980-S DCAM Washington Quarter as an example of taking bad and good DMPL pictures. The 1980-S was found in circulation and obtained some contact marks. This aspect is important because coin pictures can be taken to hide these marks.
   
   Buyers and sellers alike need to be aware of the possibility of a coin that improperly hides any noticeably marks on a coin. Sellers shouldn't try to mask any mark with light and reflections and angles, and buyers need to know what to look for before purchasing a proof coin.
   
   The above Picture 1 was taken using a desk lamp for lighting. My camera was over-top the coin and the fields reflected too much of the camera, masking the contact marks of the surface.
   
   As you can see the coin displays inappropriate colors and doesn't show the true details of the coin. In this example it's impossible to tell the true grade of the coin.
2. PICTURE 2
   
   
   
   With this picture, although better than the first, I used the same desk top lamp for lighting, but with a different angle. It shows the details better, but the true color of the coin isn't correct either. However, you can gain a better idea of the coin's grade.
3. PICTURE 3
   
   
   
   At first, the above picture, appears to display the great eye appeal of the coin, but don't be fooled. I took this picture using light from an open window, and allowed the sun's full reflection in the coin's mirrored fields to mask the contact marks.
   
   An unsuspecting buyer might think this coin was perfect, and pay a higher premium, but the coin is not perfect.
4. PICTURE 4
   
   
   
   In this picture I used the desk lamp lighting, but used a black piece of cardboard. I cut a small, rectangular slot in the cardboard for the camera lens so the fields appear dark.
   
   Most proof coins display this darkness of the fields, and this would suit most buyers and sellers as a proper picture to buy or list in auctions. However, this coin may show some details and a truer color scheme, but there remains some important details left out.
5. PICTURE 5
   
   
   
   The final picture was taken using the black cardboard with a slot cut out for the camera lens. This enables the photographer to eliminate the camera's reflection on the coin. I used the sun light from an open window so the appropriate colors of the coin are revealed.
   
   I took several pictures of this coin to find the correct angle.The above picture is as close as I could get to the true color and nature of the coin. A buyer would be able to see the amount of contacts marks on the surface, the true colors of the cameo devices, and the darkness of the mirrors as if one was holding it in-hand.

Tips & Warnings

• Another must for taking these pictures was using the macro mode on my digital camera, and a very steady hand. The use of a macro mode setting, and keeping the camera as motionless as possible are the keys to taking great coin photos.
• One can see, from the above examples, how easily a seller can fool a buyer by using light reflections and camera angles to hide marks on a proof coin. I hope sellers will use this information to learn appropriate camera techniques, and honestly represent the DMPL coins they are selling.