What do you think of this format? Comments appreciated. Take #2 Posted.

coinlieutenant · January 26, 2013 4:11AM

It takes a while, but eventually each coin would be photographed, photoshopped and written up in similar manner. Any critiques? Lazy Saturday here in Virginia....

Comments appreciated. Take two.

Unknown · January 26, 2013 4:12AM

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daOnlyBG · January 26, 2013 4:14AM

Very nice. You know every time you go to a museum of some sort, there's always a little description right in front of the exhibit? This format resembles those slabs with descriptions on them. For some, the font might be a little tiresome to read (and thus, a more basic font might be preferable), but I personally like it.

OldEastside · January 26, 2013 4:18AM

Ya Museum, is what I thought first too!
Very proffesional and nice looking also
I like it

Steve

lcoopie · January 26, 2013 4:19AM

the black box is too big on all sides in relation to the coin
make the whole thing about 50% larger
the font is hard to read
I would make the font of the title of the coin larger

the coin is fantastic

MacCrimmon · January 26, 2013 4:31AM

Is that the Oliver Jung coin from ANR (7/2004), or the B&M piece from 8/2000 ?? Coinfacts doesn't link either auction.

My old eyes have trouble picking up the dotted lower case "i". Maybe a font color which is more "white" would help.

Also, does the word processor you're using do a full justification? I think the text would look better if it were blocked on the left and right margins.

CoinRaritiesOnline · January 26, 2013 4:33AM

Elegant but illegible.

JJM · January 26, 2013 4:36AM

font is a lil busy....imo

tradedollarnut · January 26, 2013 4:37AM

yup, too hard to read

lkeigwin · January 26, 2013 4:39AM

<< Elegant but illegible. >>

Agree. I was browsing on my Mac Air outside and couldn't make out any of it.

I love the coin and think the description format is superb. I would enlarge the text and consider and more readable color, one with a little more contrast. I like the font but I'd look at others, maybe a classic one.

Nice images too, John!
Lance.

illini420 · January 26, 2013 4:40AM

I like it, but way too much empty black space at the bottom.

Casman · January 26, 2013 4:41AM

Good grief. I'm practically blind and can see it just fine. I think it's very well done. The font size in no way detracts from the overall focus of the coin itself. Nice job.

adamlaneus · January 26, 2013 4:42AM

The text is awfully fluffy. The ONLY thing I find important is you calling attention to the weak left claw. And maybe some of the sales statistics.

I don't feel that describing the toning as 'having intense mossy luster over natural autumn colors of green, yellow and orange" adds anything. In fact, that's the sort of flowery wording that gets made fun of.
There are whole sentences you can delete and you will not have subtracted from this presentation.
I long for a more down to earth style of coin writing. Rather than what i'd term as puffery.

But then that's me and I may be wrong.

blu62vette · January 26, 2013 5:02AM

I would use a plain color on the font, you want eyes to go to the coin first.

BryceM · January 26, 2013 5:07AM

Wow! What a coin.

I like more coin and less margin to use all the available pixels, but that's just me. I agree that the font is tough to read. If you broke the text into two columns, newspaper format, one under each image it would be easier to read than long strings of text. You could center the descriptor above the text that way too so it would stand apart a bit.

Shamika · January 26, 2013 5:59AM

I love the font.

coinlieutenant · January 26, 2013 6:02AM

Thanks for the input folks.

I shrunk the margins to one quarter inch on the top and one half on the sides. Changed font size to 18 and went to Times new Roman as well as a white color. Justified the text to center instead of left. Left the description as it was written as I liked that.

This coin is not the Jung specimen, which is nearly white. I am 90% sure that the 2000 bowers auction is the same coin that Oliver bought and then resold with his type set. His set was very nice, but assembled relatively quickly in the grand scheme of things if I remember correctly.

I didn't want to make the coins any bigger for lots of reasons and also want to try to keep a template with guides/margins if at all possible. Each obverse/reverse is 500x500. Whole combo is 1100x800.

Ahrensdad · January 26, 2013 6:05AM

The second with white plain front is much easier to read.

magikbilly · January 26, 2013 6:06AM

Not a fan. Text reads poorly to me anyway, but thats another topic. Hard to read, badly composed image. Not engaging. Try sampling a color from the toning for the text for cohesion - I like a "gimmick" to have a basis in reality. Border might help in a like color. Prefer left justification in this example anyway, but that could just be because it breaks the symmetry.

Eric

erickso1 · January 26, 2013 6:08AM

Is it just me or did the second image get more white?

coinlieutenant · January 26, 2013 6:10AM

Not engaging. Try sampling a color from the toning for the text for cohesion - I like a "gimmick" to have a basis in reality.

Don't hold back brother! Let me know how you really feel!

Seriously, appreciate the feedback, but can you explain the gimmick comment?

magikbilly · January 26, 2013 6:17AM

<< Not engaging. Try sampling a color from the toning for the text for cohesion - I like a "gimmick" to have a basis in reality.

Don't hold back brother! Let me know how you really feel!

Seriously, appreciate the feedback, but can you explain the gimmick comment? >>

No harm intended. I prepare images like this all the time for museums here and abroad and pvt collectors too (I am also told when I write museum tags to write at a 5th Grade level! Ugh!).
By "gimmick" I ONLY meant the sampling of color from the coin tone to suggest text colors would create a visually pleasing and cohesive image that will help sell the coin. "Gimmick" meant nothing bad - to me its just stuff I use in a presentation of something. It's like the font - does it really help sell the coin? Perhaps "gimmick" has a connotation - I see what you mean. No offense given. I use colors from the images in my presentations for text, borders, and it really works well. Even for © notices.

Eric

LindeDad · January 26, 2013 6:25AM

I really like take 2 but would put the coin title on line one centered by it's self and possibly two type sizes larger than the description.

coinlieutenant · January 26, 2013 6:27AM

Thanks for the clarification. No offense taken at all.

Couple (few) of thoughts.

**I think the sample color would be smart, but I don't know if I want to spend the time on it. Would like to have a fire and forget template that is easy to change and save as a .jpg.
**Don't really want or like borders. Always made me think I was looking at a framed coin.
**None of this is meant for selling the coin. These will only be for coins that are firmly entrenched, although I suppose one good byproduct of this is to have an easy to post picture in the event I do sell.

I really would like to have a coffee table type book eventually, even if virtual where you could turn each page under one file...

CoinRaritiesOnline · January 26, 2013 6:27AM

Well, I can read the 2nd one, but it is rather plain.

If it's me, I find some middle ground between the two versions. Like using the font from #1 either in white, or in larger letters.

magikbilly · January 26, 2013 6:35AM

Hey there

*** - changing text colors is not time consuming. Each image having a custom appearance while maintaining consistency with font and composition might be a visual treat though.

** - border has many definitions. Frame? Well - maybe I am just saying anchor your coin down on that field of black (try deep charcoal with shadows perhaps?), maybe I am saying feather the edges of the coin also as they are sharp on the black. Many ways to interpret this advice. And it's just advice

** - re not for sale. I see, but top presentations are deserved either way for such nice examples such as yours.

My comments re text - the text read rather lifeless. The color and luster seemed underspecified slightly. I did not get the feeling you were thrilled about the coin. I am not saying flowery or meaningless adjectives, just - different ones?

Hope this helps - it is meant to

Eric

coinlieutenant · January 26, 2013 7:23AM

Did a color sampling for the text on this one

CoinRaritiesOnline · January 26, 2013 7:26AM

Can you try #1 and just make the font 1 or 2 sizes bigger?

CoinJunkie · January 26, 2013 7:56AM

I like the general concept and execution. A couple of aesthetic suggestions:

1) The amount of black "border" should be (roughly) the same top and bottom.

2) The blurriness of the text is both difficult to read and detrimental to the overall feel of
quality.

magikbilly · January 26, 2013 8:10AM

<< Did a color sampling for the text on this one >>

Hi,

That looks nicer! I'd try one of the silvery purple colors for the text (contrast). Center justify the date and grade etc. info if you must (then skip a line), but I think left justification (for the rest, or all IMHO) just looks better and appears more organized, thus easier to read and consistency is cool (if not a human trait).
A thin double line separated by black composed of both colors might unify the whole thing while being quiet. The text... I might change "my opinion..." to "considered by many..."

"...considered by many to be among the most beautiful pieces executed for our National coinage. A strong design with a basis in contemporary Art Nouveau synthesized with classical elements, this high grade example is unlike many others with its evenly laid, two-sided gentle toning. The pastel hues that play over the surface delightfully serve to accentuate the satiny luster of this pristine coin..." - etc...

Sorry - it's not my place to rewrite this thing (that was just a quick simulation above) - but I'd not say things like "...whatever its origin, the toning..." - gotta be better words for that sentiment!

Just trying to help!

Eric

roadrunner · January 26, 2013 8:15AM

<< Good grief. I'm practically blind and can see it just fine. I think it's very well done. The font size in no way detracts from the overall focus of the coin itself. Nice job. >>

I second that. Of the 2 postings, the second one is easier to read. But I think either one is fine.

Jim Swan owned that white PCGS MS66 in 2002 that eventually went to Oliver Jung. I considered buying the coin but just couldn't get past it being dipped, at least not for the price
it was being offered at. John's toned MS66 above is much more to my liking.

coinlieutenant · January 26, 2013 8:32AM

Erik,

I would more than happy consider a write up that you come up with.

John

magikbilly · January 26, 2013 8:50AM

<< Erik,

I would more than happy consider a write up that you come up with.

John >>

Hi John,

I will see what I can do for you.

Eric

TomB · January 26, 2013 11:42AM

Regarding the 1872 half dollar; I have seen the coin in-hand (while at Ken's house) and it is stunning. The images of the piece are excellent, but the coin itself is even better.

magikbilly · January 26, 2013 1:28PM

.

magikbilly · January 26, 2013 2:26PM

Dear John,

Here you go - curious if folks like the presentation? I made this quick sample for you of what I meant. I thought more could be conveyed using the colors of the coin than with the black background, so I made this backing. I used colors sampled from the coin for the text as discussed, changed the font and softened, by a hair, the image as it looked a bit sharp. I changed the format a bit and rewrote the text as we were discussing, and added a bit. I hope you like it!

Best wishes,
Eric

stealer · January 26, 2013 2:34PM

I think the white font contrasted with a black background makes it look much more professional. There's no need to add any color pizazz to it, because you just risk making it look like a large confetti party. The worst PowerPoint presentations are always the ones that utilize way too many special effects and colors and leaves the audience feeling like they're on something. Simplicity always makes the best presentation.

magikbilly · January 26, 2013 2:52PM

<< I think the white font contrasted with a black background makes it look much more professional. There's no need to add any color pizazz to it, because you just risk making it look like a large confetti party. The worst PowerPoint presentations are always the ones that utilize way too many special effects and colors and leaves the audience feeling like they're on something. Simplicity always makes the best presentation. >>

Hello,

I am sure you are right. It was the text we were discussing. I hope the rewrite pleases. I was just playing with presentations and appearances.

Eric

magikbilly · January 26, 2013 3:27PM

Hi again,

I took your words - I lowered the backing intensity a good degree. It was causing interference with the text. I do find the plain black very boring and odd looking.

Best wishes and thank you,
Eric

adamlaneus · January 26, 2013 3:31PM

I like the bold text. Easily readable.

But honestly, I liked the black background as that kept my focus on the coin. No distractions.

Also, even left and right margins on the text looks good to me. The ragged margins, not so much.

Swampboy · January 26, 2013 3:35PM

Writing on a black background strains my eyes.

magikbilly · January 26, 2013 3:35PM

<< I like the bold text. Easily readable.

But honestly, I liked the black background as that kept my focus on the coin. No distractions.

Also, even left and right margins on the text looks good to me. The ragged margins, not so much. >>

Ha! That might be the reason I don't like the plain black backings - they don't seem to be unified but of a different fabric than the coin in the image as a whole. Re text margins yes - it was a very quick sample.

Thanks

Eric

MacCrimmon · January 26, 2013 4:25PM

Work your majik with an 1872 (or 1917) newspaper background......

.....or, 1917

Justlooking · January 26, 2013 5:27PM

Both fonts are very hard to read on a computer monitor. I'd keep the coins with a black background, but have the description in a black typeface on a white background underneath.

coinlieutenant · January 26, 2013 11:10PM

Thank you everyone for the input and in some cases actual work.

I think at this point it is a matter of taste and I have quite a few ideas now. The end product will certainly look better than the very first and I imagine that sentiment will be unanimous.

Don't know if I have any time today, but I will see what I can come up with. Appreciate the enthusiasm and the help.

John

lkeigwin · January 26, 2013 11:27PM

<< Hi again,

I took your words - I lowered the backing intensity a good degree. It was causing interference with the text. I do find the plain black very boring and odd looking.

Best wishes and thank you,
Eric
>>

I really, really like that, Eric. It's perfect for a large display. You have a great eye for presentation. And I agree, black is stale and boring.

John's right about it all coming down to taste now.
Lance.

ColonelJessup · January 27, 2013 12:28AM

I likedthe second font much better. Within the text, I think "Liberty" and "Liberty Seated" need capitalization.

Different fonts for monitor and print?

Minimum monitor size you plan to tailor images for?

astrorat · January 27, 2013 12:47AM

<< Hi again,

I took your words - I lowered the backing intensity a good degree. It was causing interference with the text. I do find the plain black very boring and odd looking.

Best wishes and thank you,
Eric

>>

Wow ... that's one painful, distracting background for my eyes. Although clever, it takes away too much from the image and text.

coinlieutenant · January 27, 2013 1:27AM

All righty, I think I have something that I enjoy. All input was taken and appreciated.

I decided on the black background. I wanted simple, and while Erik's matches the look and texture of the coin, especially in the color, the background was very busy and distracted me from the coin, which to me should be the focus of the image. Anything distracting was taken off the table.

I did modify the font to make something that was easier to read although not as blocky as the text Erik used. I think what really helped was using a sample of the color from the coin along with increasing the spacing between lines to a step or two above the font size for the text. In this case, 30 for spacing compared to 24 font.

I may use different font on each coin, don't really know, but this will be the overall format.

I stuck with my description of the coin, although that is obviously a taste preference. I put in there what I want to put on paper about the coin. It isn't about being flowery or not flowery, just what I want to say about the coin based on my experience with it in hand.

So...for now....ONWARD!

magikbilly · January 27, 2013 6:06AM

Hi

I am glad some liked it - but it was the text that was at issue. I just played with the image.
I rewrote the text which is what we were going on about.

Best wishes,
Eric

What do you think of this format? Comments appreciated. Take #2 Posted.

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