Focus on Coins: Secrets to Capture Every Detail

Every beginner and experienced numismatist knows that in collecting coins every detail matters: small defects, barely recognizable inscriptions, even minor scratches can affect the value of the coin and its rarity.

Fortunately, the world does not stand still and people who are keeping up with the times can rely on the power of technology to quickly and accurately identify information about a coin, its origin and condition. This is where coin identification apps like Coin ID Scanner come to the rescue, making it quick and easy to find the information you need with just a couple of clicks using coin images.

But there is one catch: the quality of the photo you take directly affects the accuracy of the identification. Isn't it enough to just take a coin pic using your phone's camera? The answer is both yes and no. Yes, modern smartphones have quite powerful cameras, but in order to get a coin photo capable of providing the app with clear and accurate information, you need to follow a number of rules. So let us study the process of creating the perfect coin images to make the apps work effectively.

Step 1. Be Ready: Lights, Camera, Coin!

Before you press the camera button, it's important to prepare properly. Below you can explore some of the key points to consider:

1. Cleaning the Coin

It sounds simple, but this is one of the most important points. Dust, fingerprints or minor dirt can hide important details of the coin that are essential for accurate identification. To clean, use a soft cloth, preferably microfiber, to avoid damaging the surface. It is important not to overdo it here, be careful.

2. Light

Lighting is what separates a good image of a coin from a mediocre one. Coins are shiny, and the wrong light can create unwanted glare that obscures important elements like inscriptions or fine details.

What else do you need to know?

• Use natural daylight, but avoid direct sunlight, which can create unwanted glare.

• If you picture coins in artificial light, choose soft, diffused lighting. Cool light bulbs (5500K) may be a good choice.

• Try to avoid bright shadows, which can mask the relief of the coin.

3. Background

The choice of background for a coin like a rare penny may seem secondary, but it affects the perception of the coin picture. The optimal choice is a neutral, solid-colored background that does not distract attention from the coin.

For example, the best choice for great pics of coins would be a matte black or white background to prevent unnecessary glare but emphasize the shine and relief of the coin itself.

Step 2. Match Camera Settings

If you are a fan of good selfies, then you understand what the trick is, and you don't need detailed instructions on how to set up your camera. But if not, then you should take into account that unfortunately, cameras are not equally good at creating coins pictures. However, due to modern smartphones, most of us already have powerful cameras at hand. What to do next?

Now that your coin is ready to be shot, it's time to figure out your camera settings.  Your smartphone can be a great tool if you know how to use it.

Basic Recommendations for Smartphone Shooting

Make sure the camera is clean. The slightest dust or fingerprint on the lens can ruin your shot.

Remember that when it comes to resolution, more is better. The higher the resolution of the camera, the more details it will be able to capture. Try to use a camera with a minimum resolution of 12 MP to get the sharpest picture of coin.

Turn on macro mode if your device has it. Coins usually contain small details that are hard to see with the naked eye. This option helps the camera focus on the smallest elements, such as fine lines or small symbols.

Additional Advice for Pro Pictures of Coin

If your camera or camera app allows you to change the settings manually, take advantage of this and adapt the following metrics

• ISO: As low as possible (e.g. 100-200) to avoid graininess.

• White balance: Adjust according to the light source.

• Exposure: Choose a slower shutter speed if the light is low. But here it is important to keep the camera still.

Step 3. Master the Right Technique

Now once you have your camera set up, you need to take care of your shooting technique. Here we will talk about coin placement, proper angle for coins picture and holding the camera. Let's get started.

Place the coin on a flat surface. If the coin is at an angle, it can distort the image. Take the image of coins strictly from above - this will ensure steady focus and no perspective distortion.

The angle of the picture is also important. It is usually chosen according to the relief of the coin. Remember the rule: flat angle - low (flat) relief of the coin, slight tilt (10-15 degrees) for coins with high relief. So, for example, a flat perspective will work perfectly for modern coins (often with low relief), and a slight tilt of the camera will allow you to capture in detail the volume and shadows of ancient coins with high relief.

Remember, the slightest shake of hands and camera and you will get a blurred result, which will complicate the recognition of image coins in the app. So, use a tripod or put your elbows down on a hard surface to stabilize.

Step 4. Process the Photo: Your Final Touch

Even after you have prepared, considered all the requirements and tips and received the coveted picture of coins, it may still need minor adjustments to improve quality or clarity. Details you should pay attention to:

Brightness and Contrast Correction

To emphasize fine details like those of colorized quarters, you can slightly increase the contrast of the image. But be careful - excessive correction may “wash out” important elements of the coin.

Framing

Crop the image so that the entire coin takes center stage in the photo. Remember to leave some space around the coin so that the app can correctly identify it.

Step 5: Use the Identification App

Now that you have the perfect image coins, it's time to use it to recognize coins with Coin ID Scanner. This app is a real must-have and useful assistant for collectors and people who are just interested in coins. How to recognize a coin using it and why is it so useful?

Pros of the App:

• Recognition accuracy: Due to advanced algorithms, the app can recognize even rare coins if you have taken and uploaded a high-quality photo.

• Speed of identification: Once a coin is recognized, you will get detailed information about the coin - year of issue, denomination, materials, rarity, some historical background and even the market value.

• Easy to use: All you need to do is upload a photo and study the information, saving you time on your search. No more searching through paper sources or endless googling.

• Database updates: The developers are constantly updating the coin database, allowing you to identify different coins.

How to Use the App:

1. Once you take the ideal photo, open the Coin ID Scanner app, select the download image function and upload the photo.

2. Wait for the app to analyze the image and after a few seconds it will offer you the available information.

3. Enjoy the result and use the additional features. You can not only identify coins, but also study numismatic news, expert advice and even manage your own collection database. Now all the convenience in one app.

Knowledge is Power

Nuances matter, especially in the numismatics. Now you know that in a world where every little detail can make a coin priceless, it's important being able to capture these nuances in a photo. Don't forget about light, angle, focus, and your coin will be the star of the shot, while the Coin ID Scanner app will help identify and reveal its true value.