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amateur morgan collector questions

I'm an amateur collector who collected uncirculated Morgans in the 50's-60's (rolls and singles) and then purchased several CCs during the GSA auction about 25 years ago. I've retired and recently temporarily retrieved my coins from my SDB and catalogued them. I'm trying to develop my grading skills and to educate myself in several areas of numismatics. I've read several books and have a few questions for anyone willing to help.
1. For web posting of images, are scanned or digital images preferred? I've tried both and scanning appears to accentuate the flaws.
2. Do the images need to be on a server or can they be uploaded to this site for viewing?
3. For my GSA CC coins, I'd like to have them graded by PCGS or NCG and I understand that NCG will maintain them in the original holders. Which method is generally preferred or doesn't it matter?
4. Does anyone have a procedure for creating optimal digital images - i.e. lighting, image size, favorite digital camera for close-up work?

I initially posted this on buy/sell accidentally. Sorry for the double posting. Also, I'm try to attach a .jpg image of a coin.

Comments

  • coinbufcoinbuf Posts: 11,286 ✭✭✭✭✭
    First of all welcome to the boards. And in order:

    1. I prefer pics to scans, better details IMO.

    2. If you have web space you can link to their or upload here, but if you upload the max file size is 50KB.

    3. Most folks seem to like the GSA's in the original holder (NGC).

    4. Do a search here and you will find many theads about picture taking do's and dont's.

    Chris
    My Lincoln Registry
    My Collection of Old Holders

    Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
  • 1. Scanning is easier, but digital pics, done correctly, give the most realistic images.
    2. Either way. If you have an image host, it makes posting pictures a little easier.
    3. Use NGC and grade in the holder. In general, more valuable if kept in the GSA holder.
    4. There are many threads on pictures and imaging. Do a forum search and you will have many good threads on this.


  • SmittysSmittys Posts: 9,876 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Glad they told you all the hard stuff.
    Welcome to the boards.image
  • So what do you have in those GSA holders. Inquiring minds want to know.
    ___________________

    I can quit collecting anytime I want to.....I just don't want to!
  • StuartStuart Posts: 9,761 ✭✭✭✭✭
    jgoodroth: Welcome to the forum!! image

    Stuart

    Collect 18th & 19th Century US Type Coins, Silver Dollars, $20 Gold Double Eagles and World Crowns & Talers with High Eye Appeal

    "Luck is what happens when Preparation meets Opportunity"
  • itsnotjustmeitsnotjustme Posts: 8,777 ✭✭✭
    Welcome aboard. Great place here to get answers to your questions.

    Agree with what the others told you, but if you plan to sell your GSA coins I would do a search of recent auctions to look at results of PCGS (with GSA noted on holder) vs. NGC in GSA holder.

    The image you tried is too small for meaningfull comment. You can get a 50K image with nice size/detail.
    Give Blood (Red Bags) & Platelets (Yellow Bags)!
  • In response to questions regarding GSA coins, I have 2 still in the original holders. 1881 & 1885. I've tried to use my digital camera with natural lighting to record them and will try to upload the images. Thanks for all the helpful responses.
  • mgoodm3mgoodm3 Posts: 17,497 ✭✭✭
    Welcome.
    coinimaging.com/my photography articles Check out the new macro lens testing section
  • wam98wam98 Posts: 2,685
    image to the forum.
    Wayne
    ******
  • anablepanablep Posts: 5,096 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Welcome aboard.
    I agree with what most are saying.
    Take digital images, go with NGC for the GSA's and practice taking pictures. Do a search and you'll find techniques on this site.

    BTW: The people on this site are a great help and have years of experience in all matters of numismatics. They are a valuable resource.
    Always looking for attractive rim toned Morgan and Peace dollars in PCGS or (older) ANA/ANACS holders!

    "Bongo hurtles along the rain soaked highway of life on underinflated bald retread tires."


    ~Wayne
  • DorkGirlDorkGirl Posts: 9,994 ✭✭✭
    image I vote send the GSA's to NGC. Keep them in the original box!!
    Becky
  • image



    Herb
    Remember it's not how you pick your nose that matters, it's where you put the boogers.
    imageimageimage
  • I agree with above. As you are new welcome! And let me be remind you that any attemt to clean or brighten up you old Morgans will render them worthless, no matter what colors they may currently have. A GSA Morgan is worth more in the original packaging and if you have a 1890cc or 1891cc, the premium can range from 25% to 200% more valuable in the GSA/ NGC combination.
    morgannut2
  • Welcome.

    It takes time, practice and much experimenting to get good photos from a digital camera. Some cameras can't get close to the to the coin so aren't as good as cameras with a macro feature. On the other hand you can get a good scan easily.

    CC Morgans are popular now. image

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