MintPricedHow to photograph coins for identification
A good photo makes identification faster and more accurate — for an app, a dealer, a coin forum or your own records. You do not need a special camera: a recent phone, a window or lamp, and a little patience are enough.
Set up
- Place the coin on a plain, non-reflective background — dark grey or black for silver, light grey for copper.
- Use diffused light from one side, such as a window with indirect daylight or a desk lamp at an angle. Light from one side shows relief and the edges of small letters.
- Turn off mixed lighting where possible, so colors stay accurate.
Shoot
- Hold the phone parallel to the coin so it stays round, not oval.
- Fill most of the frame with the coin, but do not get so close that the phone cannot focus. Tap to focus on the date.
- Brace your elbows or rest the phone on a stack of books to avoid blur.
- Do not use digital zoom; move closer instead or use the phone’s macro mode.
- Turn off filters and beauty modes.
What to capture
- The full obverse.
- The full reverse.
- A close-up of the date.
- A close-up of the mint mark area (see where mint marks are).
- For a suspected error, a close-up of the unusual area (see error coins), and the edge if relevant.
Common problems
- Glare on shiny coins — move the light further to the side or diffuse it with paper.
- Can’t read the date — rotate the coin so light falls across the digits, not along them.
- Coin out of the holder? Leave slabbed or encapsulated coins in their holders and photograph through the plastic at a slight angle to avoid reflections.
In MintPriced, scan the obverse first. If the date or mint mark is unclear, the app asks for a close-up, and you confirm the year and mint mark before saving. Good photos also help you judge condition.
Sources and further reading
Related question in the coin FAQ: How do I take a good photo of a coin?
General information, not financial or appraisal advice. Values depend on condition and the buyer; ask a qualified dealer or grading service before buying or selling.