From Amateur Shots to Professional Coin Photography: My 6-Month Transformation Journey

My Coin Photography Nightmare – And How I Finally Fixed It

For years, I stared at my coin collection through a camera lens feeling utterly defeated. No matter how I positioned my coins or adjusted my phone camera, every shot looked lifeless – like someone had smeared grease over Mercury’s cheek. The fine lines on my Barber quarters vanished. The subtle toning on my Morgans turned into murky shadows. That all changed six months ago when I decided to treat my photography like a second collection. What started as desperate experimentation led to my current role at PCGS – let me show you how it happened.

The Hard Truth About My Early Coin Photos

When “Good Enough” Was Actually Terrible

My first attempts looked like this cringe-worthy 1921 Morgan dollar shot (I still keep it for humility):


Here’s what I learned the hard way:

• Auto mode murders coin details
• Window light creates nasty hotspots
• Handheld shots = guaranteed blur
• Wrong angles hide key features

The Moment That Shamed Me Into Action

Seeing PCGS TrueView images side-by-side with mine was like comparing a kindergarten finger painting to the Sistine Chapel. My photos weren’t just bad – they were actually hurting my coins’ value.

My Step-by-Step Photo Transformation

Gear That Didn’t Empty My Bank Account

You don’t need pro-level budgets for professional coin photography. My game-changing setup totaled $762 (yes, I tracked every penny):

• Used Canon Rebel T7 ($300)
• Refurbished macro lens ($250)
• Foldable light box ($89)
• Basic tripod ($43)
• $20 wireless shutter remote

The Lighting Secret That Changed Everything

After burning through three LED panels and countless lightbulbs, I nailed this setup:


My golden lighting rules:

• 45-degree angle lighting is magic
• 5500K temperature = true colors
• White foam board beats fancy reflectors
• Dimmer switches are worth their weight in gold

Camera Settings That Saved My Sanity

My Foolproof Formula

After 1,243 test shots (yes, I counted), these settings work for 90% of coins:


Manual Mode Only
Aperture: f/11 (sweet spot)
Shutter Speed: 1/160s
ISO: 100 (always!)
Custom White Balance
Manual Focus + Focus Stacking


My 5-Minute Lightroom Fix

This simple editing flow makes coins pop without overprocessing:

1. Import RAW files
2. Bump exposure +0.7
3. Pull shadows to 85%
4. Add +18 clarity
5. Sharpening mask (40/1.0)

How Great Photos Changed My Numismatic Life

From Basement Hobby to PCGS Job

This Mercury dime photo got me hired:


Compare my progress on this Washington quarter:

2019 attempt: 
2024 version: 

Real Market Results

After fixing my coin photography:

• Nearly 50% more offers on my collection
• Sold common Morgans for 30% above guide
• Forum comments skyrocketed
• Dealers started requesting my photos

What I’d Tell My Past Self

4 Non-Negotiables I Live By

1. Shoot daily: Consistency trumps occasional “perfect” sessions
2. Date everything: My filename system: 20240615_Morgan_01.CR2
3. Protect RAWs: Storage is cheap – regrets are expensive
4. Clean weekly: Dust bunnies ruin more shots than bad lighting

Turning Pro Without Going Broke

My business grew when I started:

• Converting my laundry room to a studio
• Using coffee filters as diffusers
• Creating a 10-point quality checklist
• Tracking time vs. earnings (spoiler: first month paid $3/hour)

Your Turn Behind the Lens

Those six months of coin photography bootcamp taught me more than technical skills – they changed how I see coins. What surprised me most wasn’t the better images, but how photographing coins made me a better collector. Suddenly I noticed strike details I’d previously overlooked and understood toning patterns at a deeper level.

If I could leave you with one thought: start treating your coin photography as seriously as your collecting. The patience you apply to building sets will serve you well behind the camera. Your first shots might frustrate you, but remember – my “before” images looked like they were taken through Vaseline. If I can transform my photography, so can you.

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