Any Recommendations for a Good Coin Scanner?

giorgio11 · December 26, 2011 1:50AM

Well, my Dell All-in-One 942 copier/scanner/printer died today. It was never any good for scanning coins, but it did make color and b/w copies. Anyway. The replacement would ideally be GREAT for coin scans (and easy to use), and at a minimum function as a b/w copier as well. (I have separate color and b/w heavy duty printers which work fine, but no other copier -- and seldom need color copiers.)

Anybody have recommendations for a good coin scanner that will double as a b/w printer/copier at a minimum. Please be specific with model numbers and comments, and thanks for your thoughts! Do you have any scans you can post of your coins? I would use this for the lower-value coins where it's not cost-effective to send them to Todd. Thanks, George

LanLord · December 26, 2011 2:00AM

Most scanners don't do a great job at getting the best detail on coins. You will usually end up with somewhat flat looking coin images (I know, the coin is flat, but you don't get the image that jumps out like a digital camera will produce).

Just sayin.

giorgio11 · December 26, 2011 2:12AM

I do have a digital camera which I use but I am a lousy photographer. And it is time-consuming for me to take even bad photos. But now I have to buy a replacement for the Dell printer/copier, which technically billed itself as a scanner as well. I never could get any scans I would be unashamed to post on my site from it. Does anyone have a different experience, e.g. use a scanner and get decent detail? Thanks.

19Lyds · December 26, 2011 2:21AM

If you want a decent scanner DO NOT go with an All-In-One but instead shop for a Flat Bed Scanner.

They have some quirks but are light years cheaper than a Digital Camera with a Macro Lens. You can buy a camera with a Macro Setting as I have one of those but I lack the capability to properly light the subject when the camera is REAL close to the coin.

BTW, scanned images can be manipulated and adjusted just like a photograph but if you have those particular skill sets, you probably already have a good digital camera. I have neither!

Forgot to add, I have an HP ScanJet 3970. It used to work fantastic with my XP Operating System but the software did not transport to Microsoft Vista. I instead use the default MSVista software and then make adjustments with Photoshop Elements 7.0 and MicroSoft Office Picture Manager.

giorgio11 · December 26, 2011 2:24AM

Any particular models/brands Lee that you have experience with? Ah, I see you answered as I was replying. Thank you! Any chance it also makes b/w copies?

UtahCoin · December 26, 2011 5:56AM

Another inherent problem with scanners is the lack of depth of field resulting in poor sharpness. When you go shopping take along a Morgan dollar and test the scanner with it and see what the results are.

TheBigB · December 26, 2011 6:03AM

As those above have stated, a scanner is just going to give you lousy results more consistently.

I would try to tweak my photography skills.

comma · December 26, 2011 6:06AM

Others beat me to it, but the best scanner for coins is a camera, but far.

Any Recommendations for a Good Coin Scanner?

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