If we can capture luster with a cell phone, without a tripod or light source–a sort of numismatic selfie–then some of our auctioneers can do the same before stating a coin is deep mirror but not showing it with digital photography.
We purchased this deep mirror Morgan (it’s actually only proof-like) from one of our favorite auction houses that tries but cannot master digital photography. The photos on the left top and bottom are the auctioneer’s; the ones on the right are ours, taken with a Galaxy 4 smart phone and sent to this blog in a matter of a few minutes.
We did not have two light sources. We took the photo in natural light in an office.
Here are two photos shot from the same cell phone using a light source:
Now the bidder can see luster as well as detail.
If auctioneers can capture luster, especially on DMPL coins, they will spark bidding.
Otherwise, people will win lots in hit-and-miss fashion, happy or disappointed when they see the coins in their hands. That’s no way to build repeat business. Good numismatic photography, however, is.
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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