Using flatbed scanners on coins is bad, mkay?

coinpictures

How to make a picture look almost entirely unlike the coin: use a flatbed scanner.

I gambled on an eBay BIN with these pictures:





Since it was going to come out below graysheet including shipping, I figured why not?

Coin in hand.... BIG DIFFERENCE:

Dawg144

Weird, I've never seen scans with black backgrounds. Is that perhaps a problem?

Edited to add: By the way, nice color, especially on the obverse. I think it would have a good chance at going 64.

GoldenEyeNumismatics

I'm not a bif fan of the coin even after seeing the new pics, but it looks truly terrible in the original scan.

numisma

The new pics show the color well, but, based on the grade of the PCGS slab, I assume that the coin actually has very nice luster. Right?

tightbudget

Nice coin! And I think it has a shot at a higher grade!

Steve27

Blame the guy who took the scan and not the scanner.

greghansen

From my own personal experience and with my scanner, I've found that it works fine (if not better than photos) for circulated coins up through about XF grade. Any coin with luster, however, is never captured well with my scanner, so I never use it on mint state coins.

ProofCollection

I've had two scanners... one takes great scans of coins, and the other not so good. The key is probably in setting up the scanner right though.

cheezhed

I like the coin and it sounds like you got a good deal.

Frankcoins

Older scanners seem to work better for objects with depth.

anablep

Second group of pics looks better than ebay scan, but I think the coin is overgraded to begin with.

Either its a flat strike or is showing signs of wear (cotton bolls, leaves, Lib's hair).

Should be AU58 IMHO.

coinpictures

<< <i>Second group of pics looks better than ebay scan, but I think the coin is overgraded to begin with.

Either its a flat strike or is showing signs of wear (cotton bolls, leaves, Lib's hair).

Should be AU58 IMHO. >>



I was surprised at this as well. The only thing I can think is that it's considered weak strike. Nevertheless it was bought for it's potential color, not the technical grade. I don't think specific grade makes that much difference, given how common it is. Not much spread between 60 and 63 anyway.

TwoKopeiki

I really like the blur job on the original scan that tries to hide the serial number

ElKevvo

I like the coin but gotta go with the 58...to me there is evidence of wear hair above the ears (which is usually due to a weak strike) area but in the cotton bolls, the hair on the neck, and the breast. But the cheek is very clean and the coin overall has few marks...

Really nice though!

K

veryfine

Why are any of you questioning the grade? So you think the coin is not MS63, but rather, AU-58 because of obvious wear?
Based on an uploaded picture, you are capable of this kind of analysis?
I wish I had that gift.

TomB

For those wondering why the background of the scan is black, it is most likely because the top of the scanner was left open during the scan.

Man

I love using a scanner for coins. If set right they can look better then pictures. Simply putting a sheet of paper on top of the coin would help when scanning.

But then again my hands are so shaky that all my pictures turn out bad.

coinpictures

<< <i>I love using a scanner for coins. If set right they can look better then pictures. Simply putting a sheet of paper on top of the coin would help when scanning.

But then again my hands are so shaky that all my pictures turn out bad. >>



I have the same problem... that's why a copy stand is an absolute must.

stman

<< <i>For those wondering why the background of the scan is black, it is most likely because the top of the scanner was left open during the scan. >>



Agreed, of course TomB has a bit of experience with a scanner. As far as scanners being all bad.... like many things in life, sometimes it's not what you use, but how you use it.