Three coins are shown here lighted in exactly the same manner (distance, elevation angle, bulb type etc.) but the coin was rotated 90 degrees between each shot so we have the light coming from Left, Top, Bottom and Right. The purpose is to show the importance of orienting the coin to the light direction according to characteristics of the coin. Obviously, it would be perfectly possible to adjust the coin between these quarter turns and, in many cases, this will produce better results than any of these. Rarely, if ever, will the light from the bottom be most pleasing ('ghoul lighting' named for a Halloween character lighting its face with a flashlight from below).

The coins are selected to show a bit of variety. The Ptolemy I tetradrachm (top) is toned silver while the Septimius Severus denarius (bottom) is bright. Between them is a Gordian III and Tranquilllina bronze with less than perfectly even green patina. It was included to illustrate the effects of direction on left and right facing portraits on the same coin.

Most people will probably prefer examples with light from top or right (unless the portrait is left facing where top or left is probably better).