Simonz

Received this 1871 Sydney mint shield back Sovereign today.  Lovely coin. 
 
It came with the Douro wreck certificate and box but frankly as the capsule was loose it would be easy to swap the coin. So I am not sure that a grading company would attribute it as a Douro wreak coin. I would be interested in anyone’s thoughts on this. 

Old and new with exactly the same set up and finally making progress with getting a consistent set up that works for both.
These both have the LED panel set at 45° horizontal angle to axial light set up. Also tipping the light forward 20-30° gives the darker gradient at the bottom of the coin to try and show field texture. I think I've got a G5 with nice lustre so will try that next.

So I've made a DIY axial lighting set up and just purchased a macro lens and LED light. Surprised how a small change of light position makes a big difference to results, see attached comparison. 1 is too flat, 3 shows lots of modelling depth. I realise this is quite subjective but I think 3 is the clear winner, what do you think?

2017 Sov finally arrived, just in time to test my new macro lens.

2017 Sov finally arrived, just in time to test my new macro lens.

Old and new, which do you prefer?
A lot of the newer sovs seem to be very low relief?

2017 Sov finally arrived, just in time to test my new macro lens.

2017 Sov finally arrived, just in time to test my new macro lens.

Quick and dirty one just now - slightly out of focus as I bashed the camera with the worx light haha.
Camera is a samsung NX1 with a 60mm f2.8 macro lens, subject is around 11.5cm from lens. lighting by worx, diving lead weight on the camera tripod to stop it tipping! lol.
 

Old and new, which do you prefer?
A lot of the newer sovs seem to be very low relief?

2017 Sov finally arrived, just in time to test my new macro lens.

Something old and something new.
I think NGC wrongly identified this James I Shilling- and it’s clearly not S.2645, and therefore, they are 2 decades or so out.  
My assessment is that this is the correct reference: 

James I (1603- 1625) Shilling, Third Coinage 1619-25, 6th Large Bust, mm. Trefoil S.2668 and my opinion, VF Grade.  Nicely cabinet toned and full flan.
The new, 
2021 Elizabeth II Sixpence, Reverse, John Bergdahl design of the Royal Cypher surrounded by floral motif. S.E1




 
 

1787 George III Sixpence, Laurette & Draped Bust, Reverse: Without Semée of Hearts. S.3748.  Extremely Fine

Old and new, which do you prefer?
A lot of the newer sovs seem to be very low relief?

2017 Sov finally arrived, just in time to test my new macro lens.

Very nice photo.  Come on over to the sovereign photo thread and show off.

Great Pics. However I’m always a bit disappointed with the 2017 reproduction compared to the original, for omitting the initials of the Master of the Mint - ‘W.W.P’ (William Wellesley Pole) on the belt buckle!  From the beginning this was a joint project and WWP deserves recognition as well. Perhaps the RM simply couldn’t be bothered… Also the alloy (coppery) is nothing like the original - Use your new macro lens to check it out.  Yes, I have both coins🙂

Old and new with exactly the same set up and finally making progress with getting a consistent set up that works for both.
These both have the LED panel set at 45° horizontal angle to axial light set up. Also tipping the light forward 20-30° gives the darker gradient at the bottom of the coin to try and show field texture. I think I've got a G5 with nice lustre so will try that next.

2017 Sov finally arrived, just in time to test my new macro lens.

2017 Sov finally arrived, just in time to test my new macro lens.

Old and new, which do you prefer?
A lot of the newer sovs seem to be very low relief?

Old and new, which do you prefer?
A lot of the newer sovs seem to be very low relief?

2017 Sov finally arrived, just in time to test my new macro lens.

2017 Sov finally arrived, just in time to test my new macro lens.

Old and new, which do you prefer?
A lot of the newer sovs seem to be very low relief?