Thread: Tools of the Modern Numismatic Trade

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.


http://www.numismaster.com/ta/numis/...rticleId=25241

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

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

Originally Posted by jcakcoin

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

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

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

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

does reading glasses count ?

Originally Posted by silentnviolent

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

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

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?

Originally Posted by Cazkaboom

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

There maybe hope for you after all

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

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

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.

Originally Posted by jcakcoin

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

I use a 10x loupe, I find I don't need anything more powerful than that.

http://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/prod...loupe-10x.html

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.