Online coin inventories and the perils of coin photography
RYK
Posts: 35,797 ✭✭✭✭✭
(This post initially started as a reply to Barry's question but I felt deserves its own thread.)
I think selling coins partly or largely on the basis of images and photographs is very difficult and perilous for most sellers. Now that I have experimented with photography, I realize that it is fairly difficult to accurately capture the nuances and positive attributes of a coin, especially if you are dealing with a large volume. I can spend all evening trying to get my favorite coins right, but that is wasted time for the seller.
I see five catagories of internet seller coin pics:
I. Beautifully photographed images that are accurate and attractive.
II. Beautiful photographs that are touched up to look more attractive that the coins really are.
III. Bad photographs. Complete turn-off.
IV. Scans. To me, these only suggest that the seller owns the coin.
V. No effort to sell based on images. Verbal descriptions, only.
As a buyer, I have dealt with and have had positive experience with all five types. One of my favorite dealers of southern gold coins, Gold Rush Gallery, makes no effort to image the coins for the online inventory. Despite that, I have never been anything but pleased with my purchases from Al Adams and co.
It is better, IMO, to have no picture than a bad picture. A bad picture is a complete turn-off and might keep one from inquiring on a coin.
I think selling coins partly or largely on the basis of images and photographs is very difficult and perilous for most sellers. Now that I have experimented with photography, I realize that it is fairly difficult to accurately capture the nuances and positive attributes of a coin, especially if you are dealing with a large volume. I can spend all evening trying to get my favorite coins right, but that is wasted time for the seller.
I see five catagories of internet seller coin pics:
I. Beautifully photographed images that are accurate and attractive.
II. Beautiful photographs that are touched up to look more attractive that the coins really are.
III. Bad photographs. Complete turn-off.
IV. Scans. To me, these only suggest that the seller owns the coin.
V. No effort to sell based on images. Verbal descriptions, only.
As a buyer, I have dealt with and have had positive experience with all five types. One of my favorite dealers of southern gold coins, Gold Rush Gallery, makes no effort to image the coins for the online inventory. Despite that, I have never been anything but pleased with my purchases from Al Adams and co.
It is better, IMO, to have no picture than a bad picture. A bad picture is a complete turn-off and might keep one from inquiring on a coin.
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Comments
there you go, my two cents.
The Internet opens up a new world to dealers (and collectors). Even though it may take a little extra time, some practice, and maybe even some education, there is so much to be gained by the dealer posting accurate pics, assuming his/her coins ARE attractive. FYI, I just spent $200+ and signed up for a Photoshop course at the local community college, running 4 Saturday afternoons later this month - and I feel pretty comfortable with Photoshop already!
Even those who conscientiously attempt to capture extremely accurate images that encompass all of a coin's attributes (luster, color, reflectivity, hairlines, etc.,) often have a near impossible time doing so. Usually, at least one feature of a coin must be sacrificed in order to portray another well.
It can be extremely time consuming to get it "just right", and I really feel for sellers who have large inventories that require imaging.
Of course there are also those who, for various reasons, do not wish to show true-to-life images. Their job is far easier.
<< <i>It can be extremely time consuming to get it "just right" >>
If I ever actually get one "just right", defined in my mind as looking exactly like the coin, I think I'll drop dead of shock right on the spot. The best I can do is come as close as possible to reality within the limitations of digital photography and my own spotty skills.
Russ, NCNE
Many times I go searching through E-bay listings just looking for bad pics. Sometimes a really nice coin could be lurking behind a terrible picure. It is DEFINITELY worth taking the time toget the photo right.
I've bought bad photos and gotten bad coins,but,by far, I've bought bad photos and received great coins. Usually I've paid way below greysheet.
My Auctions
I agree - DLRC has improved a lot in the last year or so - and I have always felt that coins from them exceed expectations from the posted images. For myself, I am still in the dark ages of using a scanner - but find the results OK for my purposes. I am sure with a digital camera and more knowledge I could do much better, especially with the mirrors, but I'm happy as is. It is "very close" and I did get the colors correctly. I post the latest of my scans below. I don't think I can coax much more from my scanner though
Best,
Billy
PCGS Pr65