I always appreciate scans or copies of certificates. I gather copies of certificates from all over the globe. Some certificates are available only in Europe and some only in the U.S. You may send copies either in electronic form (scans) or in physical form (xeroxes).

Electronic images

If you own a scanner, you may send images of your certificates as e-mail attachments. Spread throughout this web site is a large amount of information and tips about scanning certificates.

Here is a synopsis of tips:

• Scan certificates at 200 dpi (150 dpi absolute minimum to be considered high-resolution).
• Save in JPG or TIF format. (Avoid GIFs, BMPs, PDFs.)
• Zip TIFs to make small enough to email
• Use a white background.
• Scan large certificates in pieces.
• Scan full scale (NO reduction.)
• Scan valuable autographs at higher resolutions (400-600 dpi.)

If you choose to scan certificates, I suggest:

• If scanning in pieces, scan with at least two inches of overlap.
• I advise against using autoexposure
• Save as MEDIUM to medium-high quality JPGs. (There is no need to save at higher quality!)

Keep things simple:

• You do NOT need to scan backs
• You do NOT need to scan coupons
• You do NOT need to scan stubs
• You do NOT need to send measurements
• You do NOT need to straighten images
• You do NOT need to patch pieces together
• You do NOT need to correct brightness
• You do NOT need to correct contrast
• You do NOT need to zip JPGs

The easiest way to send images is to attach them as attachments to e-mail, one or two at a time. I beg you, PLEASE do not embed images in emails. (They take too much time to extract.) If sending several images, I suggest using WeTransfer.com. (It's free.) You may also send CDs or DVDs if you prefer.

Send e-mail to Terry Cox

Today's photocopiers are so good that I can discern most important features from paper copies. Just try to use a good photocopier. To speed things up, I suggest:

• Reduce to fit paper.
• Use color if you want, but black and white is normally adequate
• Use 8-1/2" x 11" or A4 white paper.
• Leave lots of margin.
• Copy the fronts only.
• Record colors or notes in the bottom margin.
• PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, do not write over images.

Keep things simple.

• You do not need to tell me the sizes
• You do not need to trim to size
• You do not need to copy full size
• You do not need to copy backs
• You do not need to copy coupons
• You do not need to copy stubs

And finally,

• DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL CERTIFICATES!!

DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL CERTIFICATES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

You may mail me directly at:

Terry Cox
9989 W. 60th Ave, Suite 250
Arvada, CO 80004
USA

Anonymity

There is no information about private collectors on this web site unless they specifically request. I personally suggest that you do NOT include personal information. However, if you still have concerns about privacy, please read about anonymity.

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