The Difference Between Imaging Slabbed Coins and Raw Coins

FlyingAl

I rarely get to image the same coin when it is both raw and slabbed, but it does happen on occasion. Almost 95% of what I shoot is slabbed as well, so when I do get a chance to image a coin raw I take it.

I cracked out this 1943-D nickel today and reshot my images, and the difference is quite apparent. The color immediately pops more, and you get more of the color showing through. Oftentimes the slab glare will limit a photographer, but when that is removed a lot more can be done to capture color. You also get a lot more clarity with a raw coin, as is expected.

Here is the slabbed image set:

And raw:

retirednow

Frankly I see little difference - which is compliment for your slab shot ... nice photos

shortnock

Yes! Nice photos, both ways.

TrickleCharge

Excellent pics and information.

yosclimber

Are you using the same light source for both?
A brighter light for the slab photo might make it closer to the raw photo.

lablover

Raw provides a 'sharpness' not available in the slap due to glare. It's quite evident in the Reverse shot.

lablover

I thought you were now in school, at Duke?

lablover

@lablover said:
I thought you were now in school, at Duke?

Oh, Duke just got beat by NC State in the Elite Eight.

FlyingAl

@yosclimber said:
Are you using the same light source for both?
A brighter light for the slab photo might make it closer to the raw photo.

Very similar lighting, but not exactly the same.

FlyingAl

@lablover said:
I thought you were now in school, at Duke?

No, sorry. I’m finishing up my senior year and will be attending the US Air Force Academy next year.

Eldorado9

I see a difference! Pretty obvious too. Makes me want to crack all my coins out!

messydesk

Much bigger difference on the reverse than the obverse.

yspsales

Subtle but noticeable.

SanctionII

Go Falcons.

Fall football at Falcon stadium is awesome.

lablover

@FlyingAl said:

@lablover said:
I thought you were now in school, at Duke?

No, sorry. I’m finishing up my senior year and will be attending the US Air Force Academy next year.

Like Red Bull, the US Air Force Academy gives you wings. All the best!!!

etexmike

Would be happy with either set of images. Nice pics on them all.

airplanenut

This is also an area where it really depends on the coin. The less indirect light it needs, the closer slabbed and raw photos will be to one-another. A lustrous Morgan? Nearly identical. A toned proof Indian? Night and day.

airplanenut

@FlyingAl said:

@lablover said:
I thought you were now in school, at Duke?

No, sorry. I’m finishing up my senior year and will be attending the US Air Force Academy next year.

Congrats! I briefly thought about applying there, but my mom said I couldn't take an order, so there went that idea...

Copperindian

Like all 4 shots, but the raw ones are extra fabulous!

jesbroken

Reverse is the major difference, maybe lighting. Great job, regardless. Congrats on the Air Force Academy. Best of luck.
Jim