How to Photograph Your Coins for Accurate AI Grading and Identification

Why Good Coin Photography Matters

When you upload coin photos to Numicrest, our AI analyzes every detail visible in your images—from mint marks and dates to surface condition and wear patterns. Better photos lead to more accurate grade estimates, precise coin identification, better value assessments, and faster processing.

Essential Equipment

Recommended

• Smartphone camera (most modern phones work great)
• Natural daylight or LED desk lamp
• Dark, non-reflective surface (black velvet or felt)
• Coin holder or stand (optional but helpful)

Not Recommended

• Flash photography (creates harsh reflections)
• Yellow incandescent bulbs (distorts colors)
• Glossy or reflective backgrounds

Step-by-Step Photography Guide

1. Set Up Your Lighting

Best Practice: Use natural daylight from a window (indirect sunlight) and position your light source at a 45-degree angle to the coin. Avoid direct overhead lighting that creates harsh shadows.

Pro Tip: Overcast days provide the most even, diffused lighting for coin photography.

2. Prepare Your Background

Use black velvet cloth, felt, dark matte cardboard, or any non-reflective, solid-colored surface. A clean, contrasting background helps the AI clearly distinguish the coin's edges and details.

3. Position Your Coin

For Best Results:

• Lay the coin flat on your prepared surface
• Ensure the coin is completely clean (no fingerprints or dust)
• Position the date and mint mark clearly visible
• Keep the coin centered in your frame

Important: Never hold the coin in your hand while photographing—hand shadows and movement blur reduce accuracy.

4. Take the Obverse (Front) Photo

Camera Settings:

• Hold your phone 6-8 inches above the coin
• Ensure the entire coin fills 60-80% of the frame
• Keep your camera parallel to the coin (not angled)
• Tap to focus on the coin's center
• Take multiple shots to ensure at least one is sharp

5. Take the Reverse (Back) Photo

Special Attention For:

• State Quarters (1999-2021): The reverse design is crucial for identification
• Commemorative coins: Reverse details help identify specific varieties
• Error coins: Back side often shows the most distinctive features

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using Flash

Creates harsh reflections that obscure coin details and confuse the AI.

Solution: Use natural light or a desk lamp positioned at an angle.

❌ Poor Focus

Blurry images make it impossible to read dates, mint marks, or assess condition.

Solution: Tap your screen to focus, hold steady, and take multiple shots.

❌ Extreme Angles

Photographing coins at an angle distorts their appearance and size.

Solution: Keep your camera parallel to the coin surface.

Using Numicrest's Camera Feature

Option 1: QR Code Upload (Recommended for Mobile)

1. Click the camera icon in the search bar
2. Scan the QR code with your phone
3. Take photos of both sides of your coin
4. Upload and wait for AI analysis

Option 2: Direct Upload

1. Click the upload icon in the search bar
2. Select obverse (front) photo
3. Select reverse (back) photo
4. Submit for AI analysis

Best Practices Summary

✅ DO:

• Use natural daylight or bright LED lighting
• Keep camera parallel to coin surface
• Use dark, non-reflective background
• Take multiple photos to ensure sharpness
• Clean coins gently before photographing
• Photograph both obverse and reverse
• Fill 60-80% of frame with the coin

❌ DON'T:

• Use flash or harsh direct lighting
• Hold coins in your hand while shooting
• Photograph at extreme angles
• Use busy or reflective backgrounds
• Submit blurry or out-of-focus images
• Crop out important details
• Photograph in dim lighting

Conclusion

Quality coin photography is a skill that improves with practice. By following these guidelines, you'll get more accurate AI grading and identification results, helping you better understand and manage your coin collection.

Remember: The better your photos, the better our AI can help you identify, grade, and value your coins. Take your time, use good lighting, and don't hesitate to retake photos until you get clear, sharp images.