Risk/Reward When Buying Photogenic Vs Unphotogenic Coins

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Author	Replies: 8 / Views: 1,415
MikeF Pillar of the Community United States 3479 Posts	Posted 12/02/2018 03:41 am Poll Question We've all been there! "Why can't I get this stupid coin to look like it does inhand!!?" It usually ends with the frustrating acceptance that some coins are simply NOT photogenic. If you're one those who frequently bid at auctions, you already know that this phenomenon creates a double edged sword. In most cases, coins that are photogenic tend to get bid up to levels that hammer well above retail. On the other end of the spectrum, from my experience, unphotogenic coins tend to sell around CDN. So my poll question is which strategy do you prefer that you feel will pan out better in the long run? Poll Choices I payup for photogenic coins. I think this strategy will pan out better in the future I'm a value guy so I look for the best deal. Paying less wil pan out better in the future I've never thought about it ahead of time. I only voted to see what others thought Edited by MikeF 12/02/2018 03:53 am Report this Post to the Staff

spru Bedrock of the Community United States 12477 Posts	Posted 12/02/2018 05:00 am I don't have a set preference, but I have noticed that many coins I am interested in have been captured with a scan. This changes everything! Some for good, some for bad. In the end, these coins are a good bet for me because they are better looking in-hand than the scans. In Memory of Crazyb0 12-26-1951 to 7-27-2020 In Memory of Tootallious 3-31-1964 to 4-15-2020 In Memory of T-BOP 10-12-1949 to 1-19-2024 Report this Post to the Staff
Spence Moderator United States 34397 Posts	Posted 12/02/2018 07:36 am I only recently started photographing the coins in my collection so the vast majority of them were bought prior to me considering how they would look on film. Added: by the way, I like your fourth option as it has been my reason for voting in some previous polls. "If you climb a good tree, you get a push." -----Ghanaian proverb "The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed." -----King Adz Edited by Spence 12/02/2018 07:37 am Report this Post to the Staff
basebal21 Bedrock of the Community 13014 Posts	Posted 12/02/2018 07:52 am Quality and eye appeal are two things that never seem to go out of style. The value buys on more expensive coins can often end up being the worst buys Report this Post to the Staff
just carl Bedrock of the Community United States 20753 Posts	Posted 12/02/2018 08:13 am I seldom photograph a coin. Never thought of a coin not being photographical. Report this Post to the Staff
Ballyhoo Pillar of the Community United States 1613 Posts	Posted 12/02/2018 4:57 pm After looking at coins for most of my life I seem to get them very close to what the photo shows. Or maybe it's just luck. Like most others I'd say 60% of my buys are from ebay. In which case I read the description carefully and compare it to what I see. Several dealers selling on there have actually shipped coins better than the photograph. On the other end of the spectrum, auction houses are always spot on. Perhaps from professional photography? ANA member - PAN Member - BCCS Member There are no problems only solutions - the late, great John Lennon Report this Post to the Staff
MikeF Pillar of the Community United States 3479 Posts	Posted 12/03/2018 01:18 am We are getting some really good feedback on this one. I've always been of the mindset that photogenic coins will be always be photogenic. And therefore will continue to command premiums in the future when it comes time to sell. Especially when selling on a picture-based online platform. While the unphotogenic coins will continue to look ugly in pictures and therefore will continue to sell at CDN in the future. Edited by MikeF 12/03/2018 01:24 am Report this Post to the Staff
Zurie Pillar of the Community United States 5663 Posts	Posted 12/03/2018 02:32 am The attractiveness of a coin in a photo depends on the skill of the photographer, so you can sometimes get a good deal on a coin with a bad photo. But I think you're talking about a coin being inherently photogenic, and I would agree that a naturally photogenic coin will always command a premium. Report this Post to the Staff
MikeF Pillar of the Community United States 3479 Posts	Posted 12/03/2018 02:48 am Quote: But I think you're talking about a coin being inherently photogenic Zurie, You are correct with your assumption. Yes it depends on the skill of the photography, but I'm not talking about amateur ebay photos. I'm referring to coins up for auction from the big 5. How many times have we heard 'it will look better inhand'? Those are the coins I'm referring to. Some coins simply do not look good in photographs. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 8 / Views: 1,415

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