Professional coin photography can make the difference between a quick sale and inventory that sits. Both PCGS and NGC offer professional imaging services—TrueView and PhotoVision respectively—that capture coins in studio-quality conditions. For dealers, these services provide consistent, high-quality images that build buyer confidence and enhance listings.
But which service delivers better results? What are the costs and benefits? When should you pay for professional imaging versus using your own photography? This guide compares TrueView and PhotoVision from a dealer's perspective, helping you make informed decisions about coin imaging strategy.
Whether you're sourcing inventory with existing professional images or deciding whether to add imaging to your submissions, understanding these services helps you leverage photography for better sales outcomes.
Service Overview
PCGS TrueView
PCGS TrueView has been the industry benchmark for professional coin imaging since its introduction:
- Launched: Late 1990s, refined over decades
- Technology: High-resolution digital capture with standardized lighting
- Output: Multiple resolution options for different uses
- Availability: Add-on service during grading or post-submission
- Storage: Images permanently linked to certification number
NGC PhotoVision
NGC PhotoVision offers NGC's answer to professional coin imaging:
- Launched: 2017 (newer than TrueView)
- Technology: Professional-grade digital imaging systems
- Output: High-resolution images in multiple sizes
- Availability: Add-on service during grading
- Storage: Images linked to NGC certification records
Quick Comparison
| Feature | PCGS TrueView | NGC PhotoVision |
|---|---|---|
| Established | Industry pioneer | Newer entrant |
| Image Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| Consistency | Very high | Very high |
| Market Recognition | Very strong (longer history) | Strong and growing |
| Online Access | Via cert lookup | Via cert lookup |
Image Quality Comparison
Resolution and Detail
Both services produce high-resolution images suitable for all commercial uses:
| Aspect | TrueView | PhotoVision |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Resolution | Very high (suitable for print) | Very high (suitable for print) |
| Web Resolution | Optimized versions available | Optimized versions available |
| Detail Capture | Excellent surface detail | Excellent surface detail |
| Zoom Capability | Supports high zoom | Supports high zoom |
Lighting and Color
- TrueView: Known for accurate color reproduction, reveals luster patterns well
- PhotoVision: Clean lighting, good toning representation
- Both: Consistent lighting conditions across all coins
Background and Presentation
- TrueView: Neutral backgrounds that don't distract
- PhotoVision: Clean presentation, professional appearance
- Consistency: Both maintain uniform presentation across coins
Quality Verdict
Both TrueView and PhotoVision produce professional-quality images that exceed typical dealer photography. The quality difference between services is minimal—both are excellent. Choose based on other factors like the grading service you're using.
Toning Representation
How each service captures toned coins:
- TrueView: Excellent toning representation, captures rainbow and album toning accurately
- PhotoVision: Good toning capture, natural color reproduction
- Consideration: Toned coin images benefit greatly from professional imaging
Cost Comparison
Service Fees
| Service | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TrueView (with grading) | $10-25+ | Added during submission |
| TrueView (post-grading) | $15-30+ | Requires shipping holder |
| PhotoVision (with grading) | $10-20+ | Added during submission |
Fee Note
Imaging fees change periodically. Check current pricing on pcgs.com and ngccoin.com before submitting. Volume discounts may apply for large submissions.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
When does professional imaging pay for itself?
- High-value coins: $500+ value—imaging cost negligible relative to value
- Toned coins: Images critical for showing eye appeal
- Remote sales: Images substitute for in-person inspection
- Low-value coins: $15-25 imaging may not be justified
Image Access and Usage
Accessing Images
How to retrieve professional images:
PCGS TrueView
- Cert Verification: pcgs.com/cert/[cert-number] displays images
- Download: Right-click or use PCGS tools to download
- API Access: Available for integrated systems
NGC PhotoVision
- Cert Verification: ngccoin.com/certlookup displays images
- Download: Images downloadable from verification page
- Integration: Available through NGC systems
Usage Rights
Both services allow commercial use of images:
- Listings: Use in your product listings (primary purpose)
- Marketing: Generally permitted for selling the specific coin
- Attribution: May require noting image source
- Restrictions: Review terms for specific limitations
Image Permanence
- TrueView: Permanently linked to certification number
- PhotoVision: Permanently linked to certification number
- Benefit: Images available even years after grading
Impact on Sales
Buyer Confidence
Professional images increase buyer confidence:
- Consistent quality: Buyers know what to expect from professional images
- Accurate representation: Less surprise when coin arrives
- Trust building: Professional presentation signals serious dealer
Conversion Rates
Industry observation: Listings with high-quality images typically see higher conversion rates than those with poor or missing images. Professional grading service images provide baseline quality that meets buyer expectations.
Price Support
Professional images help support pricing:
- Eye appeal documentation: Justify premiums for attractive coins
- Toning verification: Show actual colors accurately
- Condition confirmation: Visual proof of stated condition
Remote Sales Enablement
For online sales where buyers can't inspect coins:
- Sight-unseen confidence: Images are the only visual reference
- Reduced returns: Accurate images reduce buyer surprises
- Broader market: Sell to buyers who won't travel to see coins
When to Use Professional Imaging
Always Worth Imaging
- Toned coins: Images critical for showing color and appeal
- High-value coins ($1,000+): Cost negligible relative to value
- Premium grades (MS-66+): Buyers expect to see quality
- Online-only sales: Images are your only sales tool
- Rare coins: Documentation has long-term value
Consider Imaging
- Mid-value coins ($300-1,000): Calculate ROI based on expected impact
- Better dates: Imaging helps differentiate from common dates
- CAC candidates: Documentation for before/after CAC
Skip Imaging
- Low-value coins (under $150): Imaging cost too high relative to value
- Common bullion: Metal content drives value, not appearance
- Bulk submissions: Volume may not justify per-coin imaging
- In-person sales: Buyers will see coin directly
DIY Photography Alternative
When professional imaging isn't warranted, your own photography can suffice:
Equipment Needed
- Camera: Modern smartphone or dedicated macro camera
- Lighting: LED ring light or light box
- Copy stand: Keeps camera steady and consistent
- Background: Neutral gray or white surface
DIY vs. Professional
| Factor | DIY Photography | TrueView/PhotoVision |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per coin | Very low (after setup) | $10-25+ |
| Consistency | Depends on skill | Very high |
| Quality potential | Good to excellent | Excellent |
| Time required | 2-5 minutes/coin | Zero (done during grading) |
| Buyer perception | Varies with quality | Universally accepted |
When DIY Works Well
- Lower-value certified coins: When imaging cost isn't justified
- Raw coins: No professional imaging option anyway
- Supplementary images: Add your own images to professional ones
- High volume: When time permits and cost savings matter
Using Professional Images in Listings
Image Optimization
Prepare professional images for your listings:
- Resolution: Use appropriate size for platform (800-1200px for web)
- Compression: Optimize file size without losing quality
- Format: JPEG for photos, WebP for better compression
- Naming: Descriptive filenames for SEO benefit
Listing Best Practices
- Primary image: Show obverse as main listing image
- Multiple views: Include obverse, reverse, and slab label
- Zoom capability: Enable zooming where platform allows
- Alt text: Describe coin for accessibility and SEO
Combining Image Sources
Use both professional and your own images:
- Professional images: Coin detail (obverse, reverse)
- Your images: Full slab, edge view, context shots
- Benefit: Comprehensive visual presentation
Automation Tip
SyncAuction automatically imports TrueView and PhotoVision images when syncing inventory from Heritage Auctions and other sources. Professional images flow directly into your listings without manual downloading or uploading.
Key Takeaways
- Both TrueView and PhotoVision produce excellent professional-quality images
- Quality difference between services is minimal—choose based on grading service
- Professional imaging costs $10-25+ per coin as an add-on service
- Images permanently link to certification numbers for long-term access
- High-value and toned coins benefit most from professional imaging
- Low-value coins may not justify imaging cost—use DIY alternative
- Professional images increase buyer confidence and support pricing
- Images are critical for remote/online sales success
- Combine professional and your own images for comprehensive presentation
- Automation tools can import professional images directly into listings
Import Professional Images Automatically
SyncAuction imports TrueView, PhotoVision, and other professional coin images automatically when syncing inventory. High-quality images flow directly to your store listings without manual effort.
Request a Demo →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PCGS TrueView and NGC PhotoVision?
Both are professional coin photography services offered by their respective grading companies. TrueView is PCGS's service (established longer) and PhotoVision is NGC's service (launched 2017). Both produce high-quality, consistent images suitable for commercial use. The quality is comparable—choose based on which grading service you're using.
How much does TrueView or PhotoVision cost?
Professional imaging typically costs $10-25+ per coin when added during grading submission. Post-grading TrueView imaging may cost slightly more and requires shipping the holder. Fees vary by service tier and may change over time—check current pricing on the grading service websites.
Can I use TrueView and PhotoVision images in my listings?
Yes, both services allow commercial use of images for selling the specific coin. You can download images from certification verification pages and use them in your product listings, auction descriptions, and marketing materials. Some usage may require attribution—review specific terms.
Are professional grading service images worth the cost?
For high-value coins ($500+), toned coins, and online sales, professional imaging typically pays for itself through improved sales conversion and buyer confidence. For lower-value coins or in-person sales, the cost may not be justified. Calculate ROI based on your specific situation.
Which produces better images, TrueView or PhotoVision?
Both services produce excellent professional-quality images. Quality differences are minimal and subjective. TrueView has longer market presence and brand recognition, while PhotoVision is newer but equally capable. Choose based on which grading service you're using rather than imaging quality alone.
Can I get TrueView images for coins already graded by PCGS?
Yes, PCGS offers post-grading TrueView service. You ship the already-graded holder to PCGS for imaging, then receive it back with images added to the certification record. This costs slightly more than adding imaging during original submission and requires shipping time.
How do I download TrueView or PhotoVision images?
Access images through each service's certification verification page. For PCGS, visit pcgs.com/cert/[number]. For NGC, visit ngccoin.com/certlookup. Images can typically be downloaded by right-clicking or using provided download options. API access is available for integrated systems.
Should I use professional images or take my own photos?
For high-value certified coins, professional images provide consistent quality and buyer confidence. For lower-value coins where imaging cost isn't justified, or for raw coins, your own photography can work well with proper equipment and technique. Many dealers use both—professional for the coin, their own for full slab views.
Do professional images help coins sell faster?
Generally yes. High-quality images increase buyer confidence, enable remote purchases, and support pricing. Professional images are particularly valuable for toned coins (showing true colors), high-grade coins (documenting quality), and online sales where buyers can't inspect coins in person.
Can automation tools import TrueView and PhotoVision images?
Yes, catalog automation tools like SyncAuction can automatically import professional images when syncing inventory from auction sources or via API integration. Images flow directly into your store listings without manual downloading and uploading, saving significant time for dealers with volume inventory.
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