You don't need to use Photobucket (or like) to upload images to your coin records; it will upload from your hard drive. I suppose it is a bit time consuming to take photos and upload them, but how else do we get a chance to view our collection? Just about everyone keeps their coins in Safe Deposit boxes. As my eyes get older looking at large pictures has become my preferred way7 to look at the coins (especially the Half Dimes). >>
Unless PCGS has changed I cannot upload my pictures without decreasing the size of my images substantially.
I purchased a Barber Quarter from a Heritage Auction on eBay, a nice 1892 Type 2 Reverse:
It's a very common date, but a nice PCGS AU 58. Does anyone know where Heritage gets the coins to sell on eBay? Are they consigned coins, or does Heritage own them outright?
Grades have been going up in sets incrementally, as they slowly upgrade the software. I think the first go-around mostly counted the top pops 1/0 coins (up two bonus points), and then the second bump up was for the tied for finest known like 2/0, 6/0, etc that add one bonus point to grades. There may be other tweaking that PCGS is doing to make it all work and be uniform. The system is really complex, as you can substitute varieties in some sets, and what do you do if the variety is the top pop compared to the main coin? Lots of small details like that for PCGS to work out. I would give it even more time to get optimized. Once the dust settles, it should be less problematic.
I do know this, I was second finest all time with the Barber half registry set before these new bonus points, and remain in second place, but have lost some ground on the Dr. and Mrs Steve Duckor set, due to that set having a substantial number of 0/1 finest known coins. Also that set had many tied for finest known coins. It makes it harder to catch up to such a set now.
Nice '92 O Quarter! I see a little rub on the cheek, but it may not be sufficient to keep it from being a MS coin. I'll give it a 20% chance at 58 and a 80% chance at 63.
Dr. Pete, It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the long run. For me it has opened up a little more room to try and climb back to the top. Now if only I could find a few more upgrades for my set!
I also think it might give you the chance in the long run to achieve your goal albeit it will most likely be very expensive!
Dr. Pete, It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the long run. For me it has opened up a little more room to try and climb back to the top. Now if only I could find a few more upgrades for my set!
I also think it might give you the chance in the long run to achieve your goal albeit it will most likely be very expensive! >>
Darrell: I feel for you trying to locate the last 58's for your set. As far as achieving his goal, Peter knows that to bump Dr. Duckor, it would take a small fortune. He had calculated the number a year or two ago, and it's quite a lot. Recently, I have been working with a good friend, the owner of the SROTAG Collection. We have previewed a large number of upgrades for all his sets - and once you get into the mid to high 60's, prices are atmospheric !! I believe there is another MS Half collection about to come on the market and we have previewed those coins as well. At least a half dozen are under serious consideration. I can't say anymore than that, as I do not want to preempt that dealer's official announcement. Suffice to say, amazing coins and once they are released I feel they will be quickly absorbed by collectors and dealers alike. This is the freshest assortment I have seen in years.
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
Finding a matching half is well within the realm of possibilities. I sold my 58 to Carl Feldman (BCCS ) after I bought a MS 64. I know they are available now.
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
Another Barber Quarter from my meager collection- a 1893 PCGS AU 55:
There's really neat die clashing on the reverse of this coin; you can see virtually the outline of the whole head from the obverse. I find it very interesting, but I would guess it has no collector value. Does anyone else have a clash to this level on a Barber? I would like to see some.
We've seen many a post on the difficulty of finding a high end (XF to AU) '97 O Barber Half. When one comes available it will likely bring big $$. What would you rather own, an AU 58 or a MS 64? A VERY interesting question.
As usual, I have a lot of opinions on the subject even though I don't ever think I'll be in a position where I am finacially considering it. I think I'll just go with option C and say VF. Although I am more than happy with my current F12.
Jeff - Very glad to see you're becoming a qtr man. Nice acquisitions. Although clashes aren't rare, I think your '93 exhibits about as strong a clash as I've seen. I think they add character to a coin. When it comes to a very tough date like a 97-O half, and the choice is between a 58 and a 64 for the same money, I'll go with the one that has the right look, a lightly toned original with a minimum of marks. If neither meets those requirements, I won't buy it. I've yet to regret paying up for a toughie that has just the right look.
Here are a couple that I paid up for, that always bring me pleasure when I look at them, PC45's:
And I'd be happy to pay up for an 01-S qtr that looks like my 01-S half.
Vern l It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
<< <i>J When it comes to a very tough date like a 97-O half, and the choice is between a 58 and a 64 for the same money, I'll go with the one that has the right look, a lightly toned original with a minimum of marks.
<< <i>
Let me rephrase the question then- which coin would you say carries a higher value in the marketplace today: 1. An AU 58 PCGS Pop. 4, Value $3,000 2. A MS 64 PCGS Pop. 16, Value $7,000
From conversations on the board there's strong interest in the AU, but any interest in the MS coin? Is something wrong with the way we're thinking?
Jeff - It does seem as if there's something wrong with our thinking when an average dipped 58 brings more money than an average dipped 64. I have no problem with the original, eye appealing 58 bringing more money than the average dipped 64, tho. Nice additions, by the way.
Pics for this AM, a couple of months ago I posted a raw 07-S half, with a GTG. Our hosts said 45:
Vern l It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Jeff! If you want any boots to start shaking you need to start buying a few of the tougher coins like this! 1897-S
You mentioned earlier how you were surprised how little difference some of your upgrades make. Ya gotta buy some of the better dates with big mulitpliers!
Verne...I suspected that. For those who don't want to spend 10 minutes finding the original post it's on page 56.
Vern, I know you're not a half dollar guy, but the three that you have recently posted are special indeed. Hope you find that 01-S someday. You deserve it.
Jeff, I don't think there's anything "Everyman" about an Everyman set. When you see a 97-S half dollar that Daryl provided the link to (Thanks) listed for more than any MS-66 has ever auctioned for, you can't tell this dumb guinea that an everyman set is for those who can't afford to collect uncs. However, for those who like to collect in this grade, and I also do, I can see the attraction, but I'd rather have the 66 for that money and screw the registry.
Justin, For the record, A perfectly matched VF set is as beautiful as any other IMHO. And you'll have money left over for vacation.
For those with ridiculously high tastes in Barber Halves (was this the collection you referred to a few posts above in this thread, Mike?) -- sadly these are above my pay grade, but they sure are nice to look at (the below taken from a post I made this morning):
The thing I like best about Mike's photography (I assume Mike took the example image below) is it definitely shows the coin in a pleasant light, as it should -- but it's not a juiced glamour shot; you can see the skin of the coin very accurately. This particular shot is crisp enough to be able to tell that the wispy smudge over the "AL" in "HALF DOLLAR" is actually on the surface of the slab. Of course no image can replace seeing something in hand, but this is pretty close to ideal, IMO.
I hate to throw water on that sellers burning desire to sell the 1897-S at that price, ( I agree with Paesan ) but the buyers who were paying MS 66 prices for AU 58 coins have been selling off their coins. My last purchase of an 1894 in 58 came from a collector who fueled the EVERYMAN market for the last few years. ( All I can say is, thank the Good Lord he was actively buying when I sold my better set ). I ended paying half of what he paid back in 2011.
Another set of Mid to Higher end UNC's has hit the market.{*} { As discussed in OriginalIsBest's post }. I mentioned this the other day. There are some amazing coins in that group ( it's an incomplete set - but what is there makes up for its lack of completeness ). The dealer just sent out an email blast to his customers, and I advised him to add the BST to his ad campaign.
Many coins have presold due to the dealers' want lists. So, do not be disappointed if a coin or two you want has already sold.
Years ago, DrPete told us about the value of having one dealer who you trust to secure the coins you want to be in your collection. I have found a few dealers that I trust their judgement and only wish I had the resources to relieve them of their inventory. Any dealer who thinks of his established clientele before making public his recent consignment is to be applauded. The benefit of want lists.
I only hope that our Barber Thread membership takes advantage of this recent offering of superlative Halves. They are well beyond my "Pay Grade".
EDIT: OriginalIsBest: Yes, it is the Cincinnati Collection that I was referring to. I had to laugh after I posted this reply (above) that you had chosen the same terminology as I had for being as poor as a church mouse. {just an expression} ...
I think Mike Printz did a great job on the images - small hairlines can be filled in by Plastix for imaging purposes - but some abrasions can't be erased, like the one you referred to over HALF !
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
<< <i>I hate to throw water on that sellers burning desire to sell the 1897-S at that price, ( I agree with Paesan ) but the buyers who were paying MS 66 prices for AU 58 coins have been selling off their coins. My last purchase of an 1894 in 58 came from a collector who fueled the EVERYMAN market for the last few years. ( All I can say is, thank the Good Lord he was actively buying when I sold my better set ). I ended paying half of what he paid back in 2011.
I think Mike Printz did a great job on the images - small hairlines can be filled in by Plastix for imaging purposes - but some abrasions can't be erased, like the one you referred to over HALF ! >>
Yep- I have to agree that Moon Money for a 58 is nonsense. If the Registry gave out a large annual cash prize it would make sense. As it is only a couple of dozen people in the world really care about "who's on top", so I won't be contending unless I can find a way to purchase '58's at AU prices. Who knows how long this AU craze will last?
Mike, I've yet to find a slab with a scratch/ scrape that I couldn't remove. Headlight restorer works wonders!
Regarding the quality of the photo by Mike it is great. There are a couple of tricks employed to make it look great, however. First, the photo was circle cropped to cut out all the extraneous clutter. Then it was placed on a white background so your eye only sees the coin.
Here's the exact same image as I posted above using this technique:
First off, I don't place my images into a white background to "make them look better", rather our website employs a white background so any other backdrop wouldn't make sense. Re: cropping, well, that just makes sense since all the images are shot with the coins in their respective holders. This just makes sense and allows for a more enjoyable viewing experience. Lastly, all holders are cleaned with a plastic cleaner I've had made by an outside firm...however, there are certain issues that simply can't be removed and hence show up in the final images.
Hope this clears a few things up. I do not employ "tricks" as you referenced.
My apologies- I used the wrong language to describe your photos. It definitely sounded condescending.
I was trying to point out that photos look much better when competing clutter is removed- not trying to suggest that your photos had been unfairly manipulated. I thought I was giving you props for making the effort to produce very professional material, but I really messed it up and insulted you. Once again, my apologies.
I just looked for a "foot in mouth" icon- I don't see one.
I'd like to chime in on the imaging issue. Mike P, glad you're out there and I like hearing from dealers on the threads! I'm sure Jeff meant no disrespect.
Imaging coins has to be one of the most difficult tasks to master. Interpreting images is even more of an art IMO. We all would agree that seeing a coin in hand is the way to go, but that's not always feasible. I'm sure dealers (and collectors who occasionally sell) lose a lot of business and dollars if the photos aren't clear. On the other end of the spectrum, some images are so sharp that every minute imperfection seems like a gouge, and the perfectionists might shy away from a beautiful coin.
When I consider a coin, I think about this. If the image is very sharp and there are not any outside distractions, I see a great opportunity to examine skin and luster and originality. The marks, unless obviously distracting, will probably not distract when the coin is in hand. I also consider angles provided. Usually if a seller provides multiple angles, there is an appeal to the coin that cannot be captured with a lens.
Fuzzy images can also be superb opportunities. Many of us have no photography skills whatsoever. In my case, I'm just plain lazy. Even these distorted images can be interpreted with a little patience and practice. I've found some winners this way that nobody else considered.
What Mike P does (which not all dealers do, or major auctioneers for that matter) is that he is consistent. That helps a lot. If you provide all images using the same lighting, cropping techniques, etc. that's all we can ask for.
Make sure there is a return privilege, and I always pay shipping both ways if I decide to return a coin, as a courtesy to the dealer for time and effort.
I agree with Vern that you will never regret a buy with the right look, whatever the grade. The 00-O, I believe, is an example. This date was a challenge to find. Mike has a good point that AU 58's are softening. I was able to rescue my old 96-O (foolishly sold) at a reduced price.
My opinion probably doesn't matter much here, but on a battle of 58 versus MS, I think that 96-O takes the cake. A coin like that would be worth it to me. (as if I had the money to make that choice) Super clean, and without the hint of rub, would feel like a 64 coin. As far as the 97-S half. Well, I don't think it has the pizzazz for the exorbitant price of a 66. Sure it may be the photos, and it may be my lack of experience in the AU58 grades, but I just don't see it.
Vern - Great looking halves as usual. A little more rub and dirt, and I would be hounding you for years to sell them to me.
Paesan - Good point, Everyman sets aren't for the everyman. Especially when rare dates are involved. I think back to the old days, before registry sets and everyman sets, and remember that a really nice 58 had as much value as a decent MS63, or an average MS64. A dealer friend used to call them AU63's. What has screwed things up are rarer date coins in 58 slabs that look like crap (and there are a lot of them IMO), that end up bringing crazy money just because somebody wants it for their registry set. I don't think big bucks are out of line for a 58 in cases where the coin is truly rare in nice original condition, and is a nice original coin. I'd be happy to pay 64 money for an AU58 01-S qtr that fits the bill. I'd also be happy to pay 64 money for a nice MS63 as well.
Jeff - That ebay half raises red flags everywhere, and for only $6K.
Craig - Congrats on getting your 96-O back.
Justin - Glad you stick with VF's. Gives me a little chance to snare an XF once in a while.
Pics for this AM, a really rare coin when it has this kind of look, and it doesn't matter whether its a 58 or a 65 (just try and find a nice 65), from Doug's collection:
Vern l It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Labelman,I do agree the more common dates are getting softer....the semi keys are holding their own and the better dates...well there are a few that if they come up for auction I believe it will be no holes barred.
Justin...I don't like that 97-S either. The stigma with the 97-S is only 2 years ago the top pop for a 97-S was a 55. Now there are 5 and all but this one are in pretty strong hands. All the trades up to date on 97-s's support this price.
Doug's 1901-O is one of the most difficult AU coins to find, especially with a great look. That coin is superb as are the images. I had to settle for a really nice 64.
<< <i>Doug's 1901-O is one of the most difficult AU coins to find, especially with a great look. That coin is superb as are the images. I had to settle for a really nice 64. >>
Craig: I agree, it really is a great 01-O. I also had to settle for our MS 64 . Seeing Doug's coin reminded me of exactly how difficult locating a nice AU of this date actually is. This date is rarely available in any collectible grade ( I recently added a very strong example in F-12. So, I am still scouting for a nicer example. )
Craig, no one was happier than I was when you located your 1896-O. It's a great coin, and I was glad to have had possession of it when I did. I'm just pleased that I found a choice PCGS AU 55 example for the most recent set.
Speaking of Quarters, I am planning on having mine professionally imaged by Valente151 when he flys down in early July for the Summer FUN show.
I recently had him order my hard copy prints ( my missing Dimes' images ) and I should have those for my library album any day now.
Paesan: Very attractive 1895 Quarter - in AU 53. Very wholesome looking coin & very original too.
Happy Memorial Day !
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
Since I am naturally curious, is the new "Harry Laibstain" Quarter sets from the actual dealer? Just wondering because of the grades, and the lack of the big three. HLRC deals in some big coins, and I find it hard to believe the as a dealer he wouldn't have those for the set.
Comments
<< <i>Darrell-
Thanks for the link- now I understand!
You don't need to use Photobucket (or like) to upload images to your coin records; it will upload from your hard drive. I suppose it is a bit time consuming to take photos and upload them, but how else do we get a chance to view our collection? Just about everyone keeps their coins in Safe Deposit boxes. As my eyes get older looking at large pictures has become my preferred way7 to look at the coins (especially the Half Dimes). >>
Unless PCGS has changed I cannot upload my pictures without decreasing the size of my images substantially.
I currently have a AU 55 in my set; I'm hoping this comes back as a 58.
Jeff - Congrats on the '97 newp.
Pics for this AM, just crossed was NGC64, now PC64, thanks for submitting it with yours Paesan (who went 4 for 4 by the way):
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
It's a very common date, but a nice PCGS AU 58. Does anyone know where Heritage gets the coins to sell on eBay? Are they consigned coins, or does Heritage own them outright?
I do know this, I was second finest all time with the Barber half registry set before these new bonus points, and remain in second place, but have lost some ground on the Dr. and Mrs Steve Duckor set, due to that set having a substantial number of 0/1 finest known coins. Also that set had many tied for finest known coins. It makes it harder to catch up to such a set now.
Pete - I suppose those changes make sense. Seems like altering the rules of the game after the game has started to me, tho.
Pics for this AM, newp just recd from Scott, raw. Anyone care to venture what it'll grade?
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Dr. Pete, It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the long run. For me it has opened up a little more room to try and climb back to the top. Now if only I could find a few more upgrades for my set!
I also think it might give you the chance in the long run to achieve your goal albeit it will most likely be very expensive!
<< <i>What Jeff said but change the 63 to a 62!
Dr. Pete, It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the long run. For me it has opened up a little more room to try and climb back to the top. Now if only I could find a few more upgrades for my set!
I also think it might give you the chance in the long run to achieve your goal albeit it will most likely be very expensive! >>
Darrell: I feel for you trying to locate the last 58's for your set. As far as achieving his goal, Peter knows that to bump
Dr. Duckor, it would take a small fortune. He had calculated the number a year or two ago, and it's quite a lot. Recently,
I have been working with a good friend, the owner of the SROTAG Collection. We have previewed a large number of upgrades
for all his sets - and once you get into the mid to high 60's, prices are atmospheric !! I believe there is another MS Half collection
about to come on the market and we have previewed those coins as well. At least a half dozen are under serious consideration.
I can't say anymore than that, as I do not want to preempt that dealer's official announcement. Suffice to say, amazing coins
and once they are released I feel they will be quickly absorbed by collectors and dealers alike. This is the freshest assortment
I have seen in years.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
I wish I had a '15 Half that looked like this.
Jeff...Very lusterous coin !!
Finding a matching half is well within
the realm of possibilities. I sold my 58
to Carl Feldman (BCCS ) after I bought
a MS 64. I know they are available now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
Perhaps the availability could be made known in the Barber Collector's Society Journal or home page?
There's really neat die clashing on the reverse of this coin; you can see virtually the outline of the whole head from the obverse. I find it very interesting, but I would guess it has no collector value. Does anyone else have a clash to this level on a Barber? I would like to see some.
be priced the same. I would be thrilled with a solid 40-45
and up to an AU 53.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
Here are a couple that I paid up for, that always bring me pleasure when I look at them, PC45's:
And I'd be happy to pay up for an 01-S qtr that looks like my 01-S half.
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
<< <i>J When it comes to a very tough date like a 97-O half, and the choice is between a 58 and a 64 for the same money, I'll go with the one that has the right look, a lightly toned original with a minimum of marks.
<< <i>
Let me rephrase the question then- which coin would you say carries a higher value in the marketplace today:
1. An AU 58 PCGS Pop. 4, Value $3,000
2. A MS 64 PCGS Pop. 16, Value $7,000
From conversations on the board there's strong interest in the AU, but any interest in the MS coin? Is something wrong with the way we're thinking?
I think this will grade 64- I'll send it a couple of weeks from now.
I just like the thought of Darryl and Don shaking in their boots as I sneak up behind them. They don't even notice my posts!
Pics for this AM, a couple of months ago I posted a raw 07-S half, with a GTG. Our hosts said 45:
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
You mentioned earlier how you were surprised how little difference some of your upgrades make. Ya gotta buy some of the better dates with big mulitpliers!
Verne...I suspected that. For those who don't want to spend 10 minutes finding the original post it's on page 56.
Jeff, I don't think there's anything "Everyman" about an Everyman set. When you see a 97-S half dollar that Daryl provided the link to (Thanks) listed for more than any MS-66 has ever auctioned for, you can't tell this dumb guinea that an everyman set is for those who can't afford to collect uncs. However, for those who like to collect in this grade, and I also do, I can see the attraction, but I'd rather have the 66 for that money and screw the registry.
Justin, For the record, A perfectly matched VF set is as beautiful as any other IMHO. And you'll have money left over for vacation.
Paesan
<< <i>Jeff!
You're encouraging us to purchase from another vendor? We only have so many dollars.......
Rare Double Struck Barber Half
It looks like an amazingly rare coin, and only $6,000. I wonder how many China made?
Link to the Cincinnati Collection of Barber Halves
The thing I like best about Mike's photography (I assume Mike took the example image below) is it definitely shows the coin in a pleasant light, as it should -- but it's not a juiced glamour shot; you can see the skin of the coin very accurately. This particular shot is crisp enough to be able to tell that the wispy smudge over the "AL" in "HALF DOLLAR" is actually on the surface of the slab. Of course no image can replace seeing something in hand, but this is pretty close to ideal, IMO.
the 1897-S at that price, ( I agree with Paesan ) but the
buyers who were paying MS 66 prices for AU 58 coins have
been selling off their coins. My last purchase of an 1894 in 58
came from a collector who fueled the EVERYMAN market for
the last few years. ( All I can say is, thank the Good Lord he
was actively buying when I sold my better set ). I ended paying
half of what he paid back in 2011.
Another set of Mid to Higher end UNC's has hit the market.{*}
{ As discussed in OriginalIsBest's post }.
I mentioned this the other day. There are some amazing
coins in that group ( it's an incomplete set - but what is there
makes up for its lack of completeness ). The dealer just sent
out an email blast to his customers, and I advised him to add
the BST to his ad campaign.
Many coins have presold due to the dealers' want lists. So, do
not be disappointed if a coin or two you want has already sold.
Years ago, DrPete told us about the value of having one dealer
who you trust to secure the coins you want to be in your collection.
I have found a few dealers that I trust their judgement and only
wish I had the resources to relieve them of their inventory. Any
dealer who thinks of his established clientele before making public
his recent consignment is to be applauded. The benefit of want lists.
I only hope that our Barber Thread membership takes advantage of
this recent offering of superlative Halves. They are well beyond my
"Pay Grade".
EDIT: OriginalIsBest: Yes, it is the Cincinnati Collection that I was
referring to. I had to laugh after I posted this reply (above) that you had
chosen the same terminology as I had for being as poor as a church mouse.
{just an expression} ...
I think Mike Printz did a great job on the images - small hairlines can be filled
in by Plastix for imaging purposes - but some abrasions can't be erased, like
the one you referred to over HALF !
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
<< <i>I hate to throw water on that sellers burning desire to sell
the 1897-S at that price, ( I agree with Paesan ) but the
buyers who were paying MS 66 prices for AU 58 coins have
been selling off their coins. My last purchase of an 1894 in 58
came from a collector who fueled the EVERYMAN market for
the last few years. ( All I can say is, thank the Good Lord he
was actively buying when I sold my better set ). I ended paying
half of what he paid back in 2011.
I think Mike Printz did a great job on the images - small hairlines can be filled
in by Plastix for imaging purposes - but some abrasions can't be erased, like
the one you referred to over HALF ! >>
Yep- I have to agree that Moon Money for a 58 is nonsense. If the Registry gave out a large annual cash prize it would make sense. As it is only a couple of dozen people in the world really care about "who's on top", so I won't be contending unless I can find a way to purchase '58's at AU prices. Who knows how long this AU craze will last?
Mike, I've yet to find a slab with a scratch/ scrape that I couldn't remove. Headlight restorer works wonders!
Here's the exact same image as I posted above using this technique:
Doesn't the image look more attractive this way?
First off, I don't place my images into a white background to "make them look better", rather our website employs a white background so any other backdrop wouldn't make sense. Re: cropping, well, that just makes sense since all the images are shot with the coins in their respective holders. This just makes sense and allows for a more enjoyable viewing experience. Lastly, all holders are cleaned with a plastic cleaner I've had made by an outside firm...however, there are certain issues that simply can't be removed and hence show up in the final images.
Hope this clears a few things up. I do not employ "tricks" as you referenced.
MP
Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.
https://hjbltd.com/#!/department/us-coins
I was trying to point out that photos look much better when competing clutter is removed- not trying to suggest that your photos had been unfairly manipulated. I thought I was giving you props for making the effort to produce very professional material, but I really messed it up and insulted you. Once again, my apologies.
I just looked for a "foot in mouth" icon- I don't see one.
Mike....I assure you Mr. Sunshine is and was not the biggest driving force for AU-58's! There are several others not including myself!
Imaging coins has to be one of the most difficult tasks to master. Interpreting images is even more of an art IMO. We all would agree that seeing a coin in hand is the way to go, but that's not always feasible. I'm sure dealers (and collectors who occasionally sell) lose a lot of business and dollars if the photos aren't clear. On the other end of the spectrum, some images are so sharp that every minute imperfection seems like a gouge, and the perfectionists might shy away from a beautiful coin.
When I consider a coin, I think about this. If the image is very sharp and there are not any outside distractions, I see a great opportunity to examine skin and luster and originality. The marks, unless obviously distracting, will probably not distract when the coin is in hand. I also consider angles provided. Usually if a seller provides multiple angles, there is an appeal to the coin that cannot be captured with a lens.
Fuzzy images can also be superb opportunities. Many of us have no photography skills whatsoever. In my case, I'm just plain lazy. Even these distorted images can be interpreted with a little patience and practice. I've found some winners this way that nobody else considered.
What Mike P does (which not all dealers do, or major auctioneers for that matter) is that he is consistent. That helps a lot. If you provide all images using the same lighting, cropping techniques, etc. that's all we can ask for.
Make sure there is a return privilege, and I always pay shipping both ways if I decide to return a coin, as a courtesy to the dealer for time and effort.
I'm out.
Paesan
I've been meaning to ask.....are you on a disco fling with your new avatar?
<< <i>...Many of us have no photography skills whatsoever. In my case, I'm just plain lazy.... >>
That pretty much sums me up.
Mike has a good point that AU 58's are softening. I was able to rescue my old 96-O (foolishly sold) at a reduced price.
Vern - Great looking halves as usual. A little more rub and dirt, and I would be hounding you for years to sell them to me.
Jeff - That ebay half raises red flags everywhere, and for only $6K.
Craig - Congrats on getting your 96-O back.
Justin - Glad you stick with VF's. Gives me a little chance to snare an XF once in a while.
Pics for this AM, a really rare coin when it has this kind of look, and it doesn't matter whether its a 58 or a 65 (just try and find a nice 65), from Doug's collection:
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It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Justin...I don't like that 97-S either. The stigma with the 97-S is only 2 years ago the top pop for a 97-S was a 55. Now there are 5 and all but this one are in pretty strong hands. All the trades up to date on 97-s's support this price.
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
<< <i>Doug's 1901-O is one of the most difficult AU coins to find, especially with a great look.
That coin is superb as are the images. I had to settle for a really nice 64. >>
Craig: I agree, it really is a great 01-O. I also had to settle for our MS 64 . Seeing Doug's coin reminded me
of exactly how difficult locating a nice AU of this date actually is. This date is rarely available in any collectible grade
( I recently added a very strong example in F-12. So, I am still scouting for a nicer example. )
Craig, no one was happier than I was when you located your 1896-O. It's a great coin, and I was glad
to have had possession of it when I did. I'm just pleased that I found a choice PCGS AU 55 example for
the most recent set.
Speaking of Quarters, I am planning on having mine professionally imaged by Valente151 when he flys down
in early July for the Summer FUN show.
I recently had him order my hard copy prints ( my missing Dimes' images ) and I should have those for my
library album any day now.
Paesan: Very attractive 1895 Quarter - in AU 53. Very wholesome looking coin & very original too.
Happy Memorial Day !
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
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It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Pics for this AM, a couple from my collection that could fill two of Harry's missing holes. Want to make a trade Harry?
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.