Auctioneers have an obligation to depict coins photographically as accurately as possible. Here is a selection of photos from recent Proxibid auctions that caused us to stop looking at lots or look only at slabs by PCGS, NGC, ANACS and ICG. You owe it to consignors to improve photography. See how a coin photo should look below and then compare bad examples beneath it.
This is how a photo should look on Proxibid, by our top house, Decatur Coin and Jewelry (compare it to the photo above).
We no longer bid on raw coins in this auction, which does everything right except photography. Two problems with this house. It seems to get dipped coins by regular consignors so we cannot trust the lot description. There is no way to discern luster on this coin because the photography is dull.
This house slants and over-lights its coins so that condition is obscured. We pay no attention to the lot description as again, this house has proved unreliable in that category.
This house uses a flash instead of natural light or two fluorescent lights and so washes out all traces of condition.
This house slants, misplaces, over-exposes and only includes obverse photo–example of the worst practices on Proxibid which, unlike eBay, lacks photograhpic standards for coin lots.
Because Proxibid lacks such standards, we hope you view Proxiblog to enhance your consignments, build trust with bidders and get return customers. After all, you’re paying the fees for technology. Use it wisely with sharp photography.
Proxiblog is an independent entity with no connection to the auction portal Proxibid. Our intent is to uphold basic numismatic standards as established by the American Numismatic Association and the National Auctioneer Association and to ensure a pleasurable bidding experience not only on Proxibid but also on similar portals such as iCollector and AuctionZip.
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Let us never overlook the sites that seemingly cannot figure out how to photo copper coins, they are either totally washed out or so dark you just can’t grade the coin. Oh, did I overlook the always out of focus? You hit on this for a silver dollar coin, but the minors are just a horror in many auction sites.
Finally, a comment about problems on coins. With poor photos and bad/poor descriptions, why do sellers act so deceptive with coins having real problems?
Thanks, Dick. You’re absolutely right. I overbid on a copper 2-cernt coin that was damaged. The photo didn’t show the damage for the reason you noted. Loss was at least $100. I’m consigning it with another Proxibid house noting that the coin is damaged. That’s how the description should have read. I trusted the photo; won’t do that again.