Tools of the Modern Numismatic Trade

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by mrbrklyn, May 18, 2012.

  1. mrbrklyn

    mrbrklyn New Member

    The most important tool for collecting coins is a magnifier lens: Every coin collector needs at least one magnifier.

    A magnifier is rated by the increase in size of the image. A 1-power magnifier will show you a correctly sized image. A 10X magnifier will show the image 10 times larger than normal. “X” in this case means “times.”

    You should never examine a coin just with the unaided eye, whether buying or selling. The mark of the experienced collector is the magnifier hanging from a lanyard around his neck. Magnifiers come with glass or plastic lenses. It’s quite worthwhile to spend the extra money on glass, as a good lens will last you a lifetime. I use a 14X lens that I bought in 1967 and there is not a scratch on the lens, despite a dozen trips to the floor.


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  3. jcakcoin

    jcakcoin New Member

    Although I've been collecting for 2 years now, I still don't have a magnifier. What should I get?
     
  4. mrbrklyn

    mrbrklyn New Member

    I don't know. i got a huge glass one that is an antique. I brought it in Lake Placid

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  5. Cazkaboom

    Cazkaboom One for all, all for me.

    I bet you have a book on coins, do you not? I would call that the most important tool with numismatics.
     
  6. silentnviolent

    silentnviolent accumulator--selling--make an offer I can't refuse

    believe it or not.... I've found pliers to be very useful. :scratch: Because I store many coins in 2x2's and store those in boxes, staple damage was always a concern.... until I found my pliers.
     
  7. x115

    x115 Collector

    I have a usb microscope but I never use it, its pretty cool
     
  8. x115

    x115 Collector

    does reading glasses count ?
     
  9. Cazkaboom

    Cazkaboom One for all, all for me.

    Love that comment. But then I think of a flat-clinch stapler...
     
  10. AngelKitty

    AngelKitty Sparkles *n* Cats

    I've got a Compass 16x magnifier loupe that was given to me as a kid. I rarely used it then, but now that I'm older I really appreciate it. Kinda heavy and bulky though, don't think I want it on a lanyard around my neck. ;)

    Edit: I don't have a scale yet. I can't decide what kind I want, though I was thinking of this one since it's small. Has anybody used one of these who can tell me how well it works?
     
  11. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    :thumb:

    There maybe hope for you after all :D
     
  12. Kasia

    Kasia Got my learning hat on

    The most important "tool" you have is your brain. Where would you be without it?
     
  13. cciesielski01

    cciesielski01 Laced Up

    I'd say books on coins, then jewelers loupe which reminds me I need to get a better one lol I'd reccomend getting a loupe with a Hastings's lense
     
  14. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    I would recommend, if someone is not into varieties and errors, a nice 5x loupe. For grading and the like there is never any reason to go higher. If more is needed, they have combo loupes that are 10x/20x that do a good job. Both are fairly inexpensive.

    If someone really gets into errors, varieties, forgeries, etc nothing beats a good binocular microscope with a light on top. Its truly amazing what you can see with one.
     
  15. BUncirculated

    BUncirculated Well-Known Member

  16. Morgandude11

    Morgandude11 As long as it's Silver, I'm listening

    A loupe is easy, as it can easily be carried in the pocket, as one looks around dealers and show tables. Also, I'd have some price guide of one's choosing with them.
     
  17. Leadfoot

    Leadfoot there is no spoon

    Experience is the most important numismatic tool, IMO.

    Said a bit differently, a loupe is useless without the experience to interpret what you're seeing. A book is useless unless you have the experience to interpret what you're reading. Send me to a coin show with a thousand bucks without a book or a loupe and I'll do just fine -- because I carry around and apply my experience.

    Respectfully...Mike
     
  18. mrbrklyn

    mrbrklyn New Member

    Yes - but it is a lot easier to get experience with a decent magnifying glass.
     
  19. Leadfoot

    Leadfoot there is no spoon

    Indeed, and a good library of books too.

    Without experience to temper what you're reading or seeing, their value is limited, and that's the point I was trying to make. :)
     
  20. silentnviolent

    silentnviolent accumulator--selling--make an offer I can't refuse

    Ah makes doo wit wat ah gots! :D Also, Digital scale to the .00, my walmart magnifying glass, a huge collection of Numismatic Literature, Sony Cybershot H20, safes bolted to the woodwork, giant Doberman Pinscher pacing the house and property, strategically placed firearms with ammo never too far away, word of mouth + reputation so people bring stuff to you first to see if you want to buy it/what it's worth. But most of all, TIME! Time to read, learn, search, examine, label, store, and of course admire the fruits of your invested TIME.
     
  21. mrbrklyn

    mrbrklyn New Member

    Actually, i was just thinking that if your going to get into relatively expensive raw coins, your gonna need a scale. The only time I've needed one I used the one in the Pharmacy.

    Ruben
     
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