Can anybody offer any tips on scanning coins?

MadMonk

Using HP scanjet 7400c. Used 300 rez, and zillion color setting. Also raised top edge (tilted) of slab slightly.
Look at the results, no luster, no color.

DCAMFranklin

I use th HP OfficeJet R40 and that is probably as good as it will get. You are already tipping the coin. Another trick that helps a bit, is to place a piece of copy paper on the scan deck above the coin and then another below the coin. I then take a 3rd piece of copy paper and place it over the coin, between the coin and the scanner lid. The white will not absorb any light and tends to bring about a little more detail. Scanners just aren't as nice as a camera, though you don't have to spend time trying to be a photographer. Seems like the time saved is well worth it.

MadMonk

What resolution do you use?

cosmicdebris

It is extremely tough to get lustre and the right color with a scanner. Digital cameras are the way to go.

jadecoin

Hi! Using an HP scanner as well, this is about as good as I can get. Not sure what model my scanner is, but I know it's the cheapest HP out there (under 80 bucks). These are unedited images, except the background is blotted out to black (using MicroSoft paint).







- jade

Okie

Well you go to EBay and overstate grades and overinflate coin attributes, like calling attention to the wonderful toning on your modern coins...oh wait, you said SCANNING, I thought you said SCAMMING.

MadMonk

Jadecoin, Those look pretty darn good. More detail/crisper than I was able to get.

MadMonk

ttt for the afternoon crowd

garbageman

First of all, scanners use fluorescence, so that is a limitation on the color spectrum right there.

Not to say that you can't get some acceptable results, but as far as coins go, I'd go with a digital camera.

Dog97

You're not going to catch luster but should be able to get color no problem.
You're on the right track propping your slab up.
Sometimes you have to prop the top, sometimes the bottom, right or left side.
Sometimes you need to turn the slab sideways on the bed then prop it.
Sometimes you need to use the end of the bed or the side or middle.
Sometimes you need to leave the lid up.
Each & every coin scans different than the last one.
These are from HP 4200C with 100 dpi.

MadMonk

Dog97, Now those look considerably better than my attempts. Thanks for the tips!

Outhaul

When I scan coins in slabs they are out of focus. When I scan them raw they come out fine. I have an HP Photoscan 1000 so there are no settings, everything is touch-n-go. I had the same problem with my previous scanner (Epson). What the hell am I doing wrong?

Cheers,

Bob

jadecoin

Here's an image I just scanned in last night. The coin is unbelievably vibrant in person, with shimmering violet hues. I don't think that even a digital camera could capture the beauty! But the colors are reasonably accurate!

- jc

Dog97

Outhaul I'm not familiar with that model but what kind in the hell scanner doesn't any size, format, etc controls?

These are the settings I use on my 4200:
SETTINGS:
Scan In Color
Output Type (I use Best Color Photograph 16.7 million colors)
Output size (I use Scale size by a percentage-the Morgs I posted were 300%)
Resolution (I use Set A Custom Resolution. 100dpi. Check the box that says Take Extra Time To Scan For Higher Resolution Values. This makes it scan twice. No need to use higher than 100 dpi. More dpi makes a bigger file size, not necessarily a better pict. The Morgs I posted are 100 dpi.)
Sharpen Details In Photos
I use the scan for email mode which makes a small file of aprox 40kb.

The pictures I posted are pure unaltered, unenchanced, and straight off the scanner without any editing software. I prop my slabs on a pencil which seems to be about right for the toners but it looks like I need something lower for the white coins because the pencil causes an angle that reflects too much light. As you can clearly see the 81-CC is overlighted, especially around the head detail.

EDITED TO ADD: I stand corrected on the editing software. The 83 & 85 Os are linked from my Reg Set which were cropped to cut out excess plactic slab. No other alterations.