2019 Lincoln Cent DDO and Die Crack

[lionmc13]

I found this coin roll hunting. I believe it matches this DDO listing on Copper Coins 2019P-1DO-008. Mine would certainly be a later die state as the die crack next to the T of CENT on the reverse has gotten much worse. What do you think?

[occnumis2021]

looks like the ddo #2 to me with a VERY nice radial die break that may be destined to become a retained and/or cud.

[lionmc13]

I've realized this is listed on Variety Vista as 2019 1c DDO-002, 2-O-VI. I was able to get a couple of pictures of the die crack in the hair which on my coin extends to the back of the hair. I can't seem to get a picture of the die crack on the forehead. My included picture shows some light traces as well as some PMD that might have erased much of the die crack.

[occnumis2021]

what are you using to take pics?

[lionmc13]

A 2 MP digital microscope with a built-in ring of LED lights. I use other lighting when taking full shots of coins, but the design of the digital microscope makes it hard to get enough light without using the built-in LED lights on close-up shots. I'm hoping to upgrade. Any suggestions?

[ddotn3d]

I found some ways on youtube. So of it is practice it over and over

[MintErrors]

lionmc13

For the budget, it might be best to stick with what you have. Then, find some sort of light that allows you to move it at weird angles. It should take normal light bulbs. I use blast white LED bulbs. It is a lot easier to diffuse a too bright light, than it is to try to make a dark photograph brighter.

I suggest using only white lighting, as any other color may make the photo appear darker or, simply distort the photo itself.

I also suggest as close to default setting on the monitor your using, so the photos that are generated are suitable for people using either more or less contrast and brightness. This way you offer an average lighting photograph. You can see some of the variety of lighting I use which is all over my website.

I use two desk lamps like these. I got them on sale, nearly 50 % off. I bought 4, two for the studio and two for shows. One can suffice. It does not have to be this light, anything that works for you is A-ok.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/allen-roth-...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

if you need to diffuse light with sheer cloth, just remember to uncover that light as soon as possible to prevent a fire issue. Just a little movement of the cloth makes a huge difference. I am always experimenting and refocusing the microscope or canon camera quite a lot ...

The higher the megapixel, the higher the quality of the photos. I use a standard microscope for detailed photos, and my cellphone for complete obverse and reverse photos. My setup is listed in this post. It's an American scope microscope.

https://minterrors.org/microscope-fo...d-photographs/

I also have a helpful photo tips post listed in my signature.

[occnumis2021]

A 2 MP digital microscope with a built-in ring of LED lights. I use other lighting when taking full shots of coins, but the design of the digital microscope makes it hard to get enough light without using the built-in LED lights on close-up shots. I'm hoping to upgrade. Any suggestions?

i have used the digi-scopes over the years, more in the beginning as they have some serious restrictions. i'd try to cover up the ring light (just to try) and then use the other light sources.

generally speaking, fixed light sources are not the best idea but for the pros that can use other feautres/settings to compensate. knowledge not easily gained.

minterrors gives sage advice.

the making things brighter is good for sure. hard to make a dark image brighter w/o losing quailty but the opposite isn't always true but requires lighting type/placement knowledge/experience and/or post-processing knowledge. another one that is tough to acquire. it is all actually very easy once you learn it and will only have trouble from time-to-time.

keep up the good work.

[lionmc13]

Thank you all for the feedback and positivity! I'll keep experimenting as I'm really enjoying coin varieties and errors.