Seated Dollars, same coin, different auction?

DesertLizard

I am often amazed at how the same coin can look so different when shot by different auction houses or owners for that matter. I almost bid on this until I saw the "other" image. I like toning but it has to have eye appeal. Anyone like this?

The BM is from BM 's Kiingswood Auction the second is from a past Heritage.

coinguy1

DesertLizard,

That is a great example of how much better (or worse) a coin can look, depending upon how it is imaged. And, that can apply, even when a seller is not playing games. I doubt that either seller was messing with the images you linked.

It's another excellent reminder/warning about bidding sight-unseen.

mr1931S

the image can be what sells,or doesn't sell,a coin in these on-line auctions...
the dark image...what is that light spot under the date?...also,a reasonably decent image of a silver coin should show whether the coin has luster...
the lighter image...oh,i see that it does have some luster...that light spot under the date is still showing...what is it?...i can see toning but it must not be very nice because if it was the other image would have been shot to show nice toning,right?...
yeah,the lighting and angles used to photograph coins can make a great difference in how enthusiastic potential buyers can get about bidding...i've opened up countless auction pages in ebay that i don't even give a chance to fully load the image...back out and move on is what i do...
neither one of these coin images is very well-done...just my opinion...

DesertLizard

Coinguy1,

I find both auction houses reputable and do not wish to imply any shenanigans.

However, Heritage in general takes dark ugly pix, the new zoom features they added are excellent and should help improve the images.

BM, pix always look very bright almost "glossy" or "oiled". I have been surprised both positively and negatively with their auctions.

Nothing beats sight seen. I just have to keep reminding myself that!

coinkat

Yes I like the toning and the second scan. Its kind of interesting... the first scan gives the impression that there is more lustre but the coin doesn't look original. The second scan is better but I am very partial to toning and original coins but still the coin looks flat... which is not helpful either. Seated Dollars are tough to find original and are under valued and under appreciated by the majority of collectors.

coinguy1

DesertLizard,

I agree with your assessment of the images of both auction companies mentioned. I often describe Bowers' images as "washed out" and /or "bright".

You did a nice job in your posts and were even-handed in your approach. I'm disappointed you haven't received more replies, so far.

kobrakoins

Looks the same to me.