How to Photograph Coins for Appraisal
Good photos are the foundation of an accurate coin appraisal. The good news: you do not need expensive equipment. A modern smartphone camera is more than sufficient. Here is exactly how to get the best results.
Equipment You Need
Any modern smartphone (iPhone or Android) with a decent camera. The camera app's portrait or macro mode works well for coins.
A window with indirect sunlight, or a bright desk lamp. Avoid direct sunlight (too harsh) and overhead fluorescent lights (creates glare).
A piece of white or black paper or cardstock. White works best for dark coins (copper, bronze); black works best for silver coins.
Step-by-Step Photography Guide
Place a piece of white or black paper on a flat surface near a window. White paper works best for silver coins; black paper works best for copper and bronze coins. The background should be clean and free of wrinkles.
Position yourself so the light comes from the side, not directly above. Side lighting (called raking light) brings out the details and texture of the coin. Avoid using your phone's flash — it creates harsh glare on silver surfaces.
Place the coin flat on the background. Do not hold it in your hand — hand-held shots are blurry and show fingerprints. If the coin is in a holder, photograph it through the holder.
Tap the screen on the coin to focus. Most smartphones will focus automatically when you tap. If the image is blurry, try moving slightly further away and cropping the photo afterward.
Take at least one photo of the obverse (front, with the monarch's portrait) and one of the reverse (back, with the denomination and design). For coins with interesting toning or marks, take additional photos from different angles.
Before submitting, zoom in on the photos to check that the date, denomination, and design details are clearly visible. If anything is blurry or obscured, retake that photo.
For albums and folders, photograph each page showing all coins. Then photograph any coins that look particularly interesting or valuable individually.
Common Photography Mistakes to Avoid
Flash creates harsh glare on silver coins and washes out details. Use natural light or a lamp instead.
Tap the screen to focus on the coin. Hold the phone steady or rest it on a surface. If blurry, move slightly further away.
Hold the phone directly above the coin, parallel to the surface. Angled shots distort the coin's shape and make details harder to see.
Do not touch the coin's surfaces. Handle it by the edges only. Fingerprints can damage coin surfaces and obscure details in photos.
Use a plain white or black background. Cluttered backgrounds make it harder to see the coin's edges and details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special macro lens for coin photography?
No. Modern smartphone cameras have excellent close-up capability. A macro lens attachment can help for very small coins, but it is not necessary for most appraisals.
How many photos should I submit?
At minimum, one photo of each side of each coin. For coins that look particularly interesting or valuable, submit additional photos from different angles. You can submit up to 20 photos per submission.
Should I remove coins from their holders to photograph them?
No. Photograph coins through their holders. Removing coins from holders risks damage and removes the holder's protection. If the holder is obscuring important details, note this in your submission.
What if my photos are not perfect?
Submit what you have. We can often work with imperfect photos and will request additional photos if needed. Do not let imperfect photos stop you from submitting — a blurry photo is better than no photo.
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This guide explains the value of Canadian coins, including key dates, silver content, and factors that affect collector value. If you believe you may have a valuable coin, you can upload photos for a free estimate.
How Coin Values Are Determined
Four key factors influence what a coin is worth. Understanding these helps you know what to look for.
Rarity
Coins with low mintage numbers or surviving in small quantities are worth more. A coin minted in the millions is common; one minted in the thousands can be scarce.
Condition
Collectors grade coins from Poor (heavily worn) to Mint State (uncirculated). A coin in excellent condition can be worth many times more than the same coin in worn condition.
Silver or Gold Content
Many older Canadian coins contain 80% silver. Even a common silver coin has a base value tied to the current silver price, regardless of collector demand.
Collector Demand
Some coins are actively sought by collectors, which drives prices higher. Key dates, varieties, and coins from popular series attract more buyers.