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Posted 10/19/2012 12:22 pm
Quote:
Does a regular camera work well enough to VAM coins? I have threee 1878 P morgans I can tell the differences between then. I know that one is an 8 tf and 2 are 7tf
of the 7tf one is long nock one is short nock
beyond that is where I am coming into problems. It takes a lot of time. I think it is easiest for me to tell the differences when I can physically see the coins rather than in a picture
Does a regular camera work well enough to VAM coins? I have threee 1878 P morgans I can tell the differences between then. I know that one is an 8 tf and 2 are 7tf
of the 7tf one is long nock one is short nock
beyond that is where I am coming into problems. It takes a lot of time. I think it is easiest for me to tell the differences when I can physically see the coins rather than in a picture
For coins in-hand a 10x loupe would work better to view the smaller pick-up points (PUPs).
For photographs the larger the file, the better. For me to see the small stuff the photo needs to be around 250K or larger and in-focus. Of course lighting is very important, too.
Here's my technique for online photos:
- Create a folder somewhere to download these and download only to this folder. Download the images to the folder (obverse and reverse)and any close-ups provided.
- Open the folder and right-click on the file and select "open with" ... here's where there's some divergence ... I have MS Office installed and I open with MS Office. This is a great all around image viewer as it has a convenient sizer at the bottom and I can "tweak" the image easily by clicking the "edit image" button at the top. That opens up a menu allowing me to lighten/darken the image and increase contrast. By using these two tools some PUPs jump out on the image.
- For 1878-P I determine the # of tailfeathers, long/short nock, rev of 78 or 79, broken/complete 'r', open/closed 'o', etc. Here's the link to my "By the numbers" tutorial from a couple years back https://goccf.com/t/48638
- You're trying to reduce the number of candidates to research. If it's an 8TF, look at the feather configuration between the eagle's legs and wings and compare to the examples shown in the tutorial. Match the configuration and check the VAMs listed for each. If it's a 7/8 TF count the number of exposed TF's under the 7 showing and also look at the underneath of the olive branch above the arrow feathers. If you don't see any underlying TF's, first check for Vams 30, 31 and 45. Next go to the B1 reverses. etc. ... follow the tutorial.
I know it seems cumbersome, but you'll be amazed at how fast you can remember the stuff after several attempts.
Don't forget to delete the pics from your folder when done and empty the recycle bin every so often.
in a BIG way! I let an 1888-O VAM7A in what appeared to be strong AU get away from me yesterday.... I think it would/will have a POP of 1. SIGH.....
