Let's say you are in the market for a Roman Vespasian coin. Which image you entice you to bid more?

ajaan

#1



#2



or #3, they both equally suck.

JZrarities

#2

lordmarcovan

In this particular case, I would say the black background.



In this particular case, you're also a few days too late. I just bought a Vespasian denarius, so I'm not in the market.


We'll talk about some of your other Roman consignments, though.

IstilllikeZARcoins

Yep, number 2 for me too.

lordmarcovan

On second thought, the ragged edges of the black background, both around the coin and the label, are a little distracting.

The black does set the silver coin off nicely, but the white image is "cleaner", if you know what I mean.

Both are perfectly OK. Not Phil Arnold-class photography, but perfectly adequate.

ajaan

Is this one better than image #1?

Aethelred

I would use #1

lordmarcovan

<< <i>Is this one better than image #1? >>



Surely ye jest.

Aethelred

<< <i>

<< <i>Is this one better than image #1? >>



Surely ye jest. >>



I think he is getting pissed off!

lordmarcovan

Aethelred

<< <i> >>



I would love to see him use that photo!!!!!

lordmarcovan

Hey, it's got his own personal watermark on it. (Five times over.) Why not?

Then when the Chinese scammers get hold of the pic, we'll know to report it as a fraudulent auction when it pops up all over eBay and scares the crap out of everybody.

WillieBoyd2

lordmarcovan

I mostly just use the previous owner's images.



But when I scan my own, I usually go with the white background.

Rickc300

I like the black background best, but agree with the ragged edges being a little disturbing. If you are using a scanner maybe try placing a piece of black construction paper on top of the coin. It has a matt finish so you shouldn't get any glare... If my scanner was up and running I would try it just to see. Worse case, it doesn't work and you are out a dime or so on the cost of a piece of paper...
Rick
Edited for spelling!

StrikeOutXXX

I agree with many - I like the black background, but the cropping would make me pick the white background. The bottom side of your mouse pad often works well for a black background in a hurry

johnsim03

Hi Everyone:

After hundreds of experiments, I can identify with this thread!

What works best for me, when scanning, is this (using a cheapo Cannon flatbed):

1. Make sure room is dark.
2. Leave scanner lid open.

This gives a nice, even, black background without the fuss of any post-imaging work.
Particularly nice for ancient bronze. Desert/Sandy patinas are extremely tricky
to get right.

Silver is probably best on a white background. But, it is a matter of taste, and personal
preferences.

And, scanning is definitely inferior to photography - but, if you play around with your
scanner settings, you can make perfectly acceptable images by scanning.



John

Swampboy

<< <i> >>



Thank's man
As long as I can have flashbacks I know my memory's working.

johnsim03

I forgot to mention in my previous post an excellent online resource
on this subject of scanning ancients:

Doug Smith's Site

Doug Smith's site contains tons of useful information, besides this page I have given
the URL to, regarding scanning ancient coins.

Well worth an extended visit!

John

TwoKopeiki

Hang in there, Don. Only 3-4 more months until Adobe releases a free, ad supported online version of Photoshop. You'll be cropping like a pro then!

(in the meantime, if you'd like - i can crop another batch for you. just forward them to my email)