How do you take photos of toned proof coins?

[CSdot]

I recently picked up an 1880 PR64 Quarter and I am trying to learn how to photograph the coin where you can see the striking blue sheen. Seems I am only to be able to get one of two results. Either (1) a dull brown when I take the photograph with indirect light; or (2) bright white (where you can't even see the coin) when I shine the light on it, which is the only way to get the blue sheen.

 

I want to take a photo that looks like this one:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261502336233?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

 

Thanks.

 

 

[rmpsrpms]

Phil ATS uses a semi-axial technique to get that look. You can use the technique easily with raw coins, but it's not as easy with slabbed since the axial light reflects from the slab surface. I assume your coin is slabbed PR64? You can try to use the technique and then work with the coin in post-processing to eliminate the slab glare. I've seen a few images that come out very nice with this technique, even on slabs.

[Raisethis2]

I have a pretty good camera now and use a copy stand to steady it. I then will hold raw coins in plastic flips and slabbed coins in hand. I have 3 lights but 2 will work. The key is to tilt the coin to photograph the color without having the light reflected in the shot.

 

I also rotate the coin to illustrate the color from multiple angles. Just be sure the coin is resting against something while in hand to eliminate shake issues.

 

If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.

 

Oops, the coin in your E-Bay listing was shot professionally using really quality camera equipment with a macro lense, lighting and a longer exposure.

 

See Messydesk or Kryptonitecomics they have this down.

[RWB]

One way is to go to your local camera store and buy an accessory pack of toned pixels. Install these in your camera and the coins will have toning in the photos. Be sure to remove the toned pixels before taking photos of other things, otherwise they will be toned, too. ....Well...maybe.....kinda......

[Kurtdog]

Phil ATS uses a semi-axial technique to get that look. You can use the technique easily with raw coins, but it's not as easy with slabbed since the axial light reflects from the slab surface.

I have all my coins in slabs because I heard you can get e-coli from raw coins.

[Coindude]

Kurt, I believe that's e-COIN-i.

[Kurtdog]

Kurt, I believe that's e-COIN-i.

[RWB]

semi-axial is like semi-pregnant.

[messydesk]

In a slab it is quite difficult. There's a limit to how high you can put the light before you see its reflection. Tilting won't produce a sharp picture. You might catch a break if the coin is slightly tilted in the holder. You can diffuse the light a lot, since you're looking for color, not luster, and you might be able to get a picture you can adequately adjust in post processing, but if there are any nasty scratches on the holder, they'll become more pronounced.