Tiny Toner Test: cheapo scanner versus camera I'm still learning to use

lordmarcovan

Here's a 1901 copper Ceylon quarter-cent from Victoria's Victorian type set.

I still get better detail with the scanner, but the camera shows the toning. This was one Tough Teeny Toner Test for me, with my limited skills!

I'm still freehanding with the camera and fumbling quite a bit. But oh, what a difference, eh? And I'm only halfway there; I would say I am only 50-60% satisfied with the camera results on this, after about ten or twelve takes. The coin is far more beautiful and has plenty of other colors you don't see here, even in the camera pic!

Scanner:



Camera:



Scale:



The eBay seller of this coin used a scanner, I think, and his scan was smaller than mine. No wonder I "stole" this coin from him and was very pleasantly surprised when I got it. He had described it as a "nice BU with some red" but didn't mention the colors, as I recall. Needless to say, he got glowing feedback. After shipping and everything, I believe I have maybe ten bucks in this piece. Krause UNC price is $12 (for a generic UNC, which this definitely ain't), and Proof price is $100.

Now here's a question- do y'all suppose there is any chance this could be a proof? It certainly has the colors, and the fields are prooflike- there's a faint cameo contrast I was unable to capture in the pictures. Some light mirrors, too, but again, you can't really see them unless the coin is in hand and turned just so. It's such a small coin. There's a raised, wire rim, but I can't really tell if it's sharp enough to call the coin a proof. The strike is certainly very nice if it isn't.

Perhaps I should send it off for grading?

If you could see it in person, you'd have an inkling of why I think it might just maybe be a proof.

bosox

Interesting coin. Surprised to hear from you at 3AM Georgia time.

lordmarcovan

I'm often up at this hour.

lordmarcovan

...come to think of it, the "R" in VICTORIA appears a bit weakly struck. So maybe it's not a proof. I still consider it a screaming bargain.

lordmarcovan

TTT before I crawl off to bed.

harasha

For the camera, you should be able to find a relatively inexpensive tripod that can tip the camera into a straight down position.

rhound1977

<< <i>For the camera, you should be able to find a relatively inexpensive tripod that can tip the camera into a straight down position. >>



I think the photo looks great, and I agreee a Tripod is alot of help, use one myself.......

AuldFartte

Nice coin, LordM

Play with the lighting and take "head-on" shots using a tripod or a stand, and I bet you'll like the results.

CoinAddict

SWEET COIN!!!! I love the toning. A very nice score at ten bucks.

lordmarcovan

Thanks. And you ain't seen nothin'.

Like I said, I was only maybe 60% satisfied with how that pic turned out.

1jester

It might be a proof! What very sharp edges and smooth surfaces. Send it in! Great coin.