Coins, especially rare or historical ones, are vulnerable to theft, fire, water damage, and accidental loss. Regular homeowners or business insurance often doesn't cover the full value of a collection, which is why dedicated coin insurance policies exist.

Professional insurance photography isn’t practical for coins in every price range. It's not common practice to photograph coins solely for insurance purposes, especially when their value doesn’t justify the time or cost. But when you're photographing coins for any reason—whether for ARTifacts, personal cataloguing, or sale—those high-quality images become an added bonus for your insurance records. Think of it as a smart two-for-one: you get beautiful, detailed photos and the peace of mind that comes with precise documentation. Your collection is a passion and an investment, and protecting it begins with documenting it properly.

Photographs of the coins play a crucial role in documentation. High-quality images serve as visual proof of each coin’s existence, type, and condition. In case of theft or loss, photos can help verify that a specific rare coin was indeed part of your collection. Insurers often require or strongly recommend photographing each coin (both obverse and reverse). For example, the Hugh Wood (ANA) policy FAQ specifically lists “Photos” as something you should always keep on file for your collection. Coin insurance guides routinely emphasize: “Photograph every coin (front and back), note its grade, purchase price and provenance. The more detailed your documentation, the easier it will be to prove your collection’s worth in case of a claim.” In the event of a claim, especially a theft, having clear images can not only expedite the claim payment but also assist law enforcement or recovery efforts (a photo can be circulated to coin dealers to watch for the stolen item). It’s worth noting that for certified coins, a photograph of the coin and its certificate label (with the certification number) is very useful. That certificate number can uniquely identify the coin, and if it surfaces at a pawn shop or on eBay, it can be traced.

Why Coin Photography Matters:

• Proof of Ownership: High-resolution images help validate ownership.

• Condition Documentation: Insurers rely on visible details (toning, scratches, wear) to confirm the coin's state before a loss.

• Claim Support: In the event of theft or damage, images are often required to expedite the claims process.

Best Practices for Insurance Photography:

• Include:

  • Obverse and reverse in high-resolution.

  • Angled or edge views if relevant.

  • Certification holder if slabbed.

• Metadata or embedded timestamps are ideal.

• Store images offsite (e.g., cloud backup) in case of fire/theft.

⚠️ Some insurers require images as part of the initial documentation and may not pay out if "before" images are unavailable. This is particularly important for rare, high-value, or one-of-a-kind items.

For more information about coin insurance, read my blog Coin Insurance 101: Protecting Your Valuable Coin Collection or click the link below to speak with us directly.