Sellers Are Using AI Images - Beware, and How to Detect Them
FlyingAl
Posts: 4,480 ✭✭✭✭✭
There was a thread posted yesterday about using AI generated images of coins for personal use. The flip side of this is that AI generated images will invariably be used to sell coins, and I found one of those this morning.
The below Ike image has been AI generated, and was found in a current listing on EBay. If you didn't know the tells you wouldn't know. That's why I'm making this post.
When identifying AI images, you look for:
1) Does the lettering look right? Most AI images will have issues with lettering and spelling. AMERICA might be spelled AMRRICA or the periods by the letters might look weird. Look for letters buried in the design (LIBERTY in the crown for Morgans and Barbers, the letters in the shield for Seated coins and Trades, etc) since those will be most likely to be wrong.
2) Is the design exceedingly sharp? If the design looks ridiculously detailed, that's a sign something is off. Look closer.
3) Is the design correct? Most AI images will add, subtract, or exaggerate small details of an image. Look for these discrepancies if you suspect AI use.
Here is that Ike's reverse (left), compared to a TrueView (right). I have circled some items of interest. 
Based on this image and the principles of AI detection above, what applies?
1) We see that generally, the lettering is correct. The shape of some letters is off, but everything is spelled right.
2) The design is wicked sharp, showing details of the coin that does not exist on the genuine photo. Red flag number one.
3) The design does not match. There are details added in the red circled areas on the AI image. Red flag number 2, and confirmation of an AI image. Note the shapes of the stars do not match and that the feathers show excessive detail.
Please note that this coin was listed with no mention of AI use. The inevitable path that recreational use of AI for coin images leads is unethical listings of coins with images that do not show the coin. The images of that Ike are completely fake, and are loosely based off the original coin.
For that reason, I believe that all use of AI for coin images is unethical unless clearly denoted on the image itself. Remember that AI generated images are not images of your coin - they are merely based on your coin.
Now for your final test - is this AI or a real image, and why? 
Comments
I think it is inappropriate to use AI images to sell a coin. If a seller posted those, I would almost always walk away unless a major rip and I have a return privilege.
To me the obverse shown in the photo looks TOO PERFECT.
IMO the photo is an AI generated image.
The designer's initials on the neck are off.
Ike's facial features look way too detailed to me in the above obverse image.
@FlyingAl, thank you for an excellent and important post, Alex.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
There's an ugly and unsavory underside to the unchecked proliferation of AI technology. Hasn't anyone seen the Terminator? I'm not a troglodyte by any means but some of this stuff is a bit concerning.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Too much detail on the obverse design. 🧐
I wouldn't call it unethical per se but it can be misleading. Though they can overlap, in this case it needs to be revealed that it is enhanced IMO.
Don't forget the Mint uses enhanced images on the website.
Buyer beware is always the mantra, Also images have been doctored since the invention of photography.
I always thought those AI images were just counterfeits
I suppose next you will be telling me that the coin is not supposed to have a Picasso Earth with an extra star in the ocean?
Does anyone have a photo of the original artist rendering for the Ike dollar obv/rev? I am wondering if it had some (or all) of the enhancements we see in the AI image and if possibly AI "learned" from such an image.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
I think the obv is a real photo not AI.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
I can just see the eBay listings - type II prototype review with the starred ocean. 🤣
*reverse not review
I miss the edit feature.
Look at the designers initials on the neck.
Coin Photography
I did and I took into account the exceptionally well detailed bust, but I've seen photos of proofs where some things like those initials look funky due to image and lighting artifacts. I may well be incorrect, but that was my gut call.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
Thanks for posting about this issue. Sellers are also doing this for cards -- as just yesterday I spotted a card that was "digitally enhanced". I'm not sure if it would pass inspection (Coins or Cards) if the listing pictures don't reflect the actual item properly. In the case of the card I saw, there were print imperfections on the real card that the image shown in the listing covered up. Coins could have the same issue where the coin shipped is actually what they sold in terms of grade and cert#, but the pictures they provided clearly misrepresented the real coin.
It is not true that AI images have terrible with words and letters. Early versions did. The latest models do not have the same problem.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Most of the coin AI images currently out there are using later models.
Coin Photography
I suggest you write your third (?) article for The Numismatist, the ANA journal, on this topic. It is so educational! I believe your last article they published made it as their “Cover” article?
Steve
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
I agree. But, as your own example shows, this is not a very useful guideline for new productions.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
I figured the use of AI would eventually make it's way to coin selling so I will make it a point to only buy from sellers who offer returns now and I will start asking sellers directly if I suspect AI use that is not mentioned in the actual listing !!!
🇺🇸 Harlequin
harlequinnumismatic@gmail.com
Home of the Americana Collection of USA silver coins
@FlyingAl
Thanks for posting 😎👍
🇺🇸 Harlequin
harlequinnumismatic@gmail.com
Home of the Americana Collection of USA silver coins
If you aren’t confident that a seller will answer honestly, when asked if he used AI, what’s the point in asking? The same goes for other questions such as whether a coin has been tried for crossover, CAC, etc.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
This is one more reason to buy coins already slabbed by one of the major grading services.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
You can fake those images also.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
At least it provides a reasonable baseline spectrum of reasonable expectations.
A lot of fear on AI images on this thread. Unfortunately there will not be a guide. It evolves through inference and self improvement.
Buy from a reputable seller and send the coin back.
Many sellers use axial lighting and do not reveal. That is not the way the eyes see a coin in hand, is that unethical?
There are many reasons to fear AI....photos are a minor concern.
Oh, I agree. I'm just saying that you need to examine images (and text) with a critics eye for any listing.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Now imagine a world where we literally can not distinguish between an AI and real image to even the most seasoned Numistmatist.
We're going to be there soon