Heritage auction photos question

ajman

Please look at the two sets of photos for this particular coin. In the first set you might see what I would consider unattractive toning in various spots around the obverse. When you click to enlarge the second set of pics you notice that these spots of toning have been whited out. My questions, is it unethical for an auction house to do this, and second, who are they trying to fool, if anyone? I mean it's as clear as the nose on your face that the second set have been doctored. So what gives? link

vibr0nic

Looks like the scuffs are on the holder, and they just look dark/bad in the first 2 images.

Priller

Absolutely not doctored. I agree that it's scuffs on the holder. The large "showcase" images always exaggerate small flaws. The slab images at Heritage are always a more accurate representation.

tightbudget

I agree with everyone who said it's on the holder

stealer

Just a difference in photography style, I believe the large slab shots use flash photography.

PQueue

1. No question the "spots" are on the holder.
2. Don't buy coins based on pictures.