Good coin photography is the difference between a useful AI scan and a wasted scan. Here is exactly how to set up your phone, lighting, and background to get the cleanest possible images for error detection.
Use a single, strong, angled light source — not direct overhead light. A desk lamp positioned at about 45 degrees creates the shadows that reveal die cracks, doubled dies, and surface anomalies. Direct light flattens the coin and hides errors.
A solid black or dark gray background helps the AI cleanly detect the coin's edge. A piece of black felt or black construction paper works perfectly. Avoid glossy or patterned backgrounds.
Get as close as your phone can focus while keeping the coin sharp. Most modern smartphones focus to about 4 inches. The coin should fill at least 60% of the frame. Tap the screen on the coin to lock focus before shooting.
Always photograph both obverse and reverse. Many errors are only visible on one side. ErrorHunt analyzes both sides in a single scan when you upload them together.
Don't use flash (it washes out detail). Don't shoot through a magnifying glass (distortion). Don't use a tilted angle (makes the coin look oval). Don't shoot in mixed lighting (color temperatures clash and confuse the AI).
A single, angled light source at about 45 degrees. Avoid direct overhead lighting and avoid using your phone flash.
No. Modern smartphone cameras are more than capable. Lighting and focus matter far more than camera quality.
Yes. Many errors are visible only on one side. ErrorHunt analyzes both sides together when uploaded in a single scan.
Photograph your coin and scan it with ErrorHunt's free AI checker.
Scan Your Coin Free