How to photograph a coin for the best scan

3 min read · Updated Oct 4, 2026

In short

Use soft, even light and keep your phone parallel to the coin.
Fill much of the frame and keep the image sharp. A front photo is enough to start; the back is optional.
A close-up of the date and mint mark can help. Never clean the coin to improve its photograph.

Before you start

A good photo helps Penny Value read the date, mint mark and wear. Lighting matters as much as the camera. You do not need specialist equipment: a window and a steady hand often suffice.

Set up

Light: use indirect window light or a shaded lamp. Avoid direct sunlight and flash. Strong reflections can hide details.
Background: use dark, matte cloth or paper. Shiny surfaces reflect light back toward the lens.
Lens: wipe the phone lens with a soft cloth. A fingerprint can blur the entire image.
Handling: hold the coin by its edge and set it down gently on a soft surface.

Take the photo

Place the phone directly above the coin, parallel to its surface. An angled image distorts the coin and may hide the date.
Move close enough for the coin to occupy much of the image. If it becomes blurry, move back. A closer but blurred photograph contains less usable detail.
Tap the coin on screen to focus. Pause before taking the shot.
Keep still. Rest your elbows on a table or stabilize the phone with a suitable stand.
To add the back, turn the coin over carefully and photograph it the same way. It can help with design and variety checks; you may continue with the front alone.

The close-up

The date and small mint mark below it are often crucial. When needed, photograph that area more closely while keeping it sharp. For some varieties, Penny Value may also ask for LIBERTY or AMERICA on the back.

Shiny red coins

Bright copper reflects strongly. If a white glare patch appears, move the light source to the side. Keep the phone parallel to the coin. Even lighting also helps estimate color.

Coins in holders

Leave a coin in its certified holder or capsule. Photograph it straight on with side lighting to keep plastic reflections out of the lens. Remove fingerprints only from the outside of the holder.

Watch outDo not polish, rub or clean a coin for its photograph. Improper cleaning can reduce its value; resulting scratches may also be visible in the image.

Quick checklist

Soft light, no flash
Dark, matte background
Phone parallel and steady
Coin large enough in the image and in focus
Front; back and details when needed

Check yours

Scan the front using these tips. Add the back or a close-up to examine more details.

Check your own penny

Penny Value is an Android app for now, so it isn't on the App Store. The values and checks on this page are free to use.Penny Value is an Android app. Open this page on your Android phone to check your own penny with a photo.

Related guides

Sources

PCGS, “Glamor Shots for Your PCGS Slabs” (accessed 2026-10-04)
NGC, “Chinese Coins: Take Your Best Shot” (accessed 2026-09-26)
U.S. Mint, “Caring for Your Coin Collection” (accessed 2026-10-04)