Images and Descriptions

Product images and descriptions are the two most important factors in converting browsers into buyers. On an online marketplace, buyers can't hold your products — your photos and words have to do the selling. This guide covers everything you need to know to create listings that stand out.

Product Images

Why Images Matter

• First impression — Your primary image is the first thing buyers see in search results
• Trust — Clear, honest photos build buyer confidence
• Conversion — Listings with multiple high-quality images sell significantly more than those with one blurry photo
• Fewer returns — Accurate photos reduce the chance of a buyer being disappointed and requesting a return

Image Requirements

• Minimum dimensions: 800 × 800 pixels
• Recommended dimensions: 1200 × 1200 pixels or larger
• Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, or WebP
• Maximum file size: 10 MB per image
• Minimum images: 1 (the primary image)
• Maximum images: 10 per product

Photographing Coins

Equipment

You don't need expensive equipment to take great coin photos:

• Camera: A modern smartphone camera works well. A DSLR with a macro lens is ideal but not required.
• Lighting: Natural daylight or a simple LED desk lamp. Avoid direct flash.
• Background: A plain, neutral background — white, black, or grey. A sheet of printer paper works in a pinch.
• Holder or stand: A coin flip holder, acrylic stand, or small easel to prop up the coin.

Technique

• Focus: Ensure the coin is sharply in focus. Tap on the coin on your phone's screen to set the focus point.
• Lighting angle: Position the light at a 45-degree angle to the coin to show detail without glare. For proof coins, experiment with the angle to capture the mirror-like fields.
• Distance: Fill most of the frame with the coin. You can crop afterward, but starting close gives better detail.
• Stability: Use a tripod or rest your phone on a stable surface to avoid blur.
• White balance: Ensure the colors look natural. Gold should look like gold, not orange or yellow.

What to Photograph

For each product, include images showing:

1. Obverse (front) — The primary side of the coin
2. Reverse (back) — The secondary side
3. Edge — Important for thick coins, bullion bars, and items where the edge has design elements
4. Close-ups — Any notable details, mint marks, varieties, errors, or toning
5. In holder — If the coin is in a PCGS/NGC slab, show the full slab with the label visible
6. Scale reference — Optional but helpful, especially for bars and large pieces

Photographing Bars and Bullion

• Show the front and back of the bar
• Capture the manufacturer's mark/logo clearly
• Include serial numbers if applicable
• For sealed products, photograph in the original packaging
• Show assay cards if included

Image Editing Tips

• Crop tightly to the subject — extra white space makes your image look smaller in search results
• Adjust brightness and contrast if the photo is too dark, but don't over-enhance
• Do not use filters — Buyers want to see the accurate color and condition
• Remove background distractions — Crop out anything not related to the product
• Maintain natural colors — Accurate color representation is critical for coins (especially toned coins)

What NOT to Do

• Don't use stock images — Always photograph the actual item you're selling (or a representative item from the same batch for fungible products)
• Don't add watermarks or text overlays — CoinDuffle handles branding
• Don't use blurry or dark photos — This is the fastest way to lose buyer trust
• Don't exaggerate condition — If a coin has wear, show it honestly. Misleading photos lead to returns and negative reviews.
• Don't photograph coins in hand — Unless showing scale, this looks unprofessional

Product Descriptions

Writing Descriptions That Sell

A great product description serves three purposes:

1. Inform — Tell the buyer exactly what they're getting
2. Persuade — Explain why this product is worth buying
3. Protect — Accurate descriptions prevent returns and disputes

Essential Information to Include

For Bullion Products

• Metal type and purity (e.g., .999 fine silver)
• Weight (e.g., 1 troy ounce)
• Mint/manufacturer
• Year (if applicable)
• Condition (BU, circulated, proof, etc.)
• What's included (capsule, tube, monster box, etc.)
• Packaging details

For Numismatic Coins

• Country and denomination
• Year and mint mark
• Grade and grading service (if certified)
• Certification number (for PCGS/NGC coins)
• Notable varieties, die characteristics, or errors
• Eye appeal notes (toning, luster, strike quality)
• Provenance (if notable)

For Collectibles

• Item description and historical context
• Condition (with honest assessment)
• Dimensions and weight
• Materials
• Rarity or mintage information

Description Structure

Follow this structure for consistent, complete listings:

Opening line — What the product is in clear, specific terms.

"This is a 2024 American Silver Eagle 1 oz .999 fine silver coin in Brilliant Uncirculated condition."

Details paragraph — Specifications and notable features.

"Struck at the US Mint, this coin features the updated Type 2 design with Emily Damstra's Landing Eagle reverse. Weight: 1.000 troy oz. Fineness: .999. Diameter: 40.6mm."

Condition notes — Honest description of the item's state.

"This coin was pulled directly from a mint-sealed tube and is in BU condition with full luster and no visible marks."

What's included — Everything the buyer will receive.

"Ships in a protective plastic capsule."

Seller notes — Any additional information or guarantees.

"We guarantee the authenticity of all items we sell. 14-day return policy."

Description Best Practices

• Be specific — "1921-D Morgan Dollar VF-30" is better than "old silver dollar"
• Use standard grading terminology — Follow Sheldon scale grades (G, VG, F, VF, EF, AU, MS) for raw coins
• Include certification numbers — Buyers can verify graded coins on PCGS/NGC's websites
• Mention known issues honestly — If a coin has cleaning, scratches, or environmental damage, say so
• Format for readability — Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and clear headings
• Write unique descriptions — Even for similar products, try to make each listing's description distinct
• Avoid hype — Words like "RARE!", "INVESTMENT GRADE!", and "MUST HAVE!" feel spammy and reduce trust

SEO Considerations

Well-written descriptions with natural keyword usage help your products appear in both CoinDuffle's search and external search engines:

• Include the full product name, year, and metal type naturally in the description
• Mention common search terms buyers might use
• Don't keyword-stuff — write for humans first, search engines second

Updating Images and Descriptions

You can update the images and description for any product at any time:

1. Navigate to Seller Dashboard → Products
2. Click Edit on the product you want to update
3. Add, remove, or reorder images
4. Edit the description
5. Click Save

Changes take effect immediately. Consider updating photos if you get a better camera or lighting setup — improved images on existing listings can boost sales of products that were previously underperforming.