Photo & Video Standards for Listings

Creating Quality Listings That Sell

Your photos make or break your sale. On KALEKT, whether you’re listing for a Live Show or the Marketplace, visual standards determine buyer trust and purchase decisions. This guide covers everything from camera angles to video requirements.

Quality listings earn more visibility. KALEKT’s algorithm favors sellers who follow these standards. Master these techniques to increase your sales.

Photo Requirements Overview

Minimum Standards

Every listing needs:

1. At least one photo of the actual coin (no stock images)
2. Clear view of both obverse and reverse
3. Proper lighting without glare
4. Accurate color representation

Never use stock photos for your listings. Buyers expect to see the exact coin they’re purchasing. Stock images violate KALEKT policies and result in listing removal.

Photo Quality Standards

Your primary photo must show:

1. Full coin without cropping
2. Sharp focus on details
3. Natural lighting or proper coin lighting setup
4. Neutral background (white, black, or gray preferred)

Blurry photos kill sales. Use your phone’s macro mode or a dedicated camera. Stabilize your device—even slight movement ruins coin photography.

Technical Specifications

Image Requirements

KALEKT accepts:

1. JPEG, PNG formats
2. Minimum 1000×1000 pixels
3. Maximum 10MB per image
4. Up to 12 photos per listing

Higher resolution reveals more detail. Serious collectors zoom in to examine surfaces. Give them pixels to explore.

Video Specifications (Beta)

Video listings require:

1. 30 seconds maximum length
2. Audio included (describe the coin)
3. MP4 format preferred
4. Stable footage (use tripod)

Videos showcase luster and surface quality better than static photos. Rotate coins slowly under consistent lighting. Narrate important details like mint marks or varieties.

Photography Best Practices

Lighting Setup

Natural light works best:

1. Position near north-facing window
2. Avoid direct sunlight (creates harsh shadows)
3. Use white paper as reflector
4. Shoot during midday for consistency

Artificial lighting alternative:

1. Two adjustable LED lamps
2. 45-degree angles from both sides
3. Diffusion material to soften shadows
4. Consistent color temperature (5000K recommended)

Camera Angles

Required shots for graded coins:

1. Full slab front view
2. Full slab back view
3. Angled shot showing edge view
4. Close-up of grade label

Required shots for raw coins:

1. Obverse centered and level
2. Reverse centered and level
3. Edge view (especially for reeded edges)
4. Problem areas in detail (if applicable)

Live Show vs Marketplace Standards

Live Show Listings

During Live Shows, you can use temporary listings with fewer requirements. However, quality listings get better prices:

1. Upload photos before going live
2. Use the AI scanner for quick details
3. Review auto-filled information for accuracy
4. Add photos during show if needed

Pricing and other coin data are provided by third-party sources. Always verify AI-generated details before publishing.

Marketplace Listings

Marketplace requires complete information:

1. All photos uploaded before publishing
2. Detailed descriptions with conditions
3. Accurate categorization
4. Proper shipping weight selected

Marketplace buyers browse leisurely. They expect museum-quality photography and complete information. Meet their expectations.

Common Photography Mistakes

Avoid These Errors

Reflections and glare: Tilt coins slightly to eliminate reflections. Never use flash directly on slabbed coins.

Fingerprints on slabs: Clean holders with microfiber cloth before photography. Handle slabs by edges only.

Misleading angles: Show problems clearly. Hiding flaws through creative photography violates trust and KALEKT policies.

Color correction abuse: Minimal editing only. Excessive saturation or contrast adjustments misrepresent toning.

Special Cases

Problem Coins

Documenting issues properly:

1. Photograph scratches under angled light
2. Show cleaning hairlines with proper lighting
3. Capture rim dings from multiple angles
4. Include close-ups of all damage

Honest photography builds reputation. Buyers appreciate sellers who disclose problems upfront.

Toned Coins

Capturing true colors:

1. Use daylight-balanced lighting
2. Avoid auto white balance
3. Take multiple shots under different angles
4. Include color reference card if possible

Toning sells for premiums when accurately represented. Poor photos make rainbow toning look artificial.

Video Listing Tips

Creating Engaging Videos

Your 30-second video should:

1. Start with full coin view (3 seconds)
2. Slowly rotate to show luster (10 seconds)
3. Highlight special features (10 seconds)
4. End with both sides displayed (7 seconds)

Narrate while filming: “1921 Morgan Dollar, MS-64 with beautiful cartwheel luster. Note the strong breast feathers and minimal bag marks.”

Listing Optimization

Beyond Photos

Complete listings include:

1. Accurate titles with date, mint mark, variety
2. Detailed descriptions noting positives and negatives
3. Correct categorization for search visibility
4. Competitive pricing based on condition

Always review AI-filled details before listing. The scanner helps but isn’t perfect. Your expertise ensures accuracy.

Coin Vault Integration

List directly from Coin Vault:

1. Scan coins into your Vault
2. Add detailed notes while examining
3. Upload quality photos to Vault entry
4. Click “List” when ready to sell

Values are informational and may change over time. Price your coins based on current market conditions.

Platform-Specific Features

Using KALEKT’s Tools

The AI scanner streamlines listing creation:

1. Auto-fills denomination and year
2. Suggests category placement
3. Provides market data reference
4. Reduces typing errors

Trust but verify. Scanner accuracy improves with clear photos. Always confirm details match your coin exactly.

Quick-Share Links

Promote your listings effectively:

1. Generate share link from listing page
2. Post to social media platforms
3. Include in email newsletters
4. Share in collector forums

Drive external traffic to your KALEKT listings. More eyes mean faster sales at better prices.

Building Trust Through Visuals

Consistency Matters

Develop your visual style:

1. Same background across listings
2. Consistent lighting setup
3. Standardized angle progression
4. Professional presentation throughout

Buyers recognize quality sellers by their photography. Make your listings instantly identifiable.

Going Beyond Requirements

Extra touches that increase sales:

1. Size reference (ruler or common coin)
2. Certification documentation photos
3. Original packaging when included
4. Comparison shots for varieties

Quick Reference Checklist

Before publishing any listing:

1. Primary photo shows entire coin clearly
2. Both sides photographed (or all slab angles)
3. No blur, glare, or color distortion
4. Actual coin shown (not stock photo)
5. Problem areas documented honestly
6. Category selected correctly
7. AI-generated details verified
8. Hazardous materials marked if applicable

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Technical Problems

Photos won’t upload: Check file size (under 10MB) and format (JPEG/PNG). Reduce resolution if needed.

Colors look wrong: Adjust white balance before shooting. Avoid mixed lighting sources.

Can’t capture luster: Try video listings. Movement reveals cartwheel effect better than static images.

Quality Improvements

Shadows too harsh: Add diffusion material or bounce cards. Softer light reveals more detail.

Details not sharp: Clean your lens. Use macro mode. Stabilize camera with tripod or stand.

Slabs showing reflections: Adjust angle slightly. Use polarizing filter for persistent glare.

Advanced Techniques

For Premium Coins

High-value coins deserve extra effort:

1. Use all 12 photo slots
2. Include progressive close-ups
3. Document provenance materials
4. Show original holders or packaging

Premium presentation justifies premium prices. Invest time in photographing your best inventory.

Coin Vault Pro Benefits

Upgrade advantages for sellers:

1. Unlimited collection organization
2. Portfolio tracking for inventory management
3. Bulk listing capabilities
4. Advanced search within your vault

Track acquisition costs against current values. Coin Vault Pro helps identify profitable selling opportunities.

Your Path to Better Sales

Quality photos sell coins. Period. Whether streaming Live Shows or listing on the Marketplace, visual standards determine success. Master these techniques to build your reputation and increase profits.

Start with basics: clear photos, honest representation, proper categorization. Add video listings to showcase luster. Use KALEKT’s AI tools to save time while maintaining accuracy.

Remember: every listing represents your brand. Consistency, quality, and honesty through photography builds lasting customer relationships. Your next sale starts with your next photo.