Most difficult coin I've ever tried to photograph

stev32k

This is by far the most difficult coin ever I've tried to photograph. I've been collecting coins for over 40 years, and photographing them for about 20 years. And I've never come across a coin that looks like this one. It is a proof with very subtle toning. Further it has toned differently on fields and devices. The devices and lettering have toned a blue-bluish gray, the fields are almost a lilac color. The true colors can only be seen when the coin is turned to just the right angle to the light.

I've now spent two full days (and 355 shots) trying to get an accurate photograph, and have finally decided that either it can't be done or I don't know how to do it.

Anyone have any suggestions?

The heavy black mark on the color chart is approxametely the color of the fields(as close as I can tell)

mgoodm3

Sounds like you're not going to get a single shot that will show everything the coins has. toned proofs are tough, especially brilliant ones. When I photograph proofs, I do a straight-on shot and an angled shot for color. Is it raw or tombed?

K6AZ

If this is a proof, you may want to try diffused lighting.

robertpr

<< <i>If this is a proof, you may want to try diffused lighting. >>



Yeah the lampshade thing might work for your shot.

DHeath

Taken in indirect sunlight outside.

solid

This coin was difficult for me to capture the color, which is very light pastels ranging
from gold at the top, to blue in the middle, and rose at the bottom.

I ended up getting my best shot with diffused lighting - taking two sheets of bright
white laser paper and taping them together to form a tube 8-1/2" tall and 22" in
circumference (less overlap from taping). This was placed around the slab with four
lights directed through the paper, with a little coming in from the top and scattering
around the inside.

Ken

airplanenut

Diffused lighting is the best for proofs... this was shot with one light--the lamp covered with white paper (but loosely so it didn't go up in flames )

Cam40

marty makes it look so easy too.

ChuckC

angle the coin, aim a lamp directly at the coin, and place two pieces of white paper between the coin and lamp to get that diffuse look that really brings out the colors.

CoinResource

What lights are you using????? You may have to switch lights or go to daylight to get the color. Sometimes lights have tint that overhshadow subtle color like this. YES, even the lights that claim to be close to natural light.

Try sunlight diffused or TRUE daylight rated photo bulbs.

c

MikeInFL

Diffused lighting and white balance tweaking. What kind of camera are you using?...Mike