when looking for die varieties and doubled dies how strong of a magnifier/ loupe do you use? I have several.. strongest being 14x but one mans strong doubling is my "I think I can see doubling" sorry for the repeat question...I found a thread discussing this topic already
Good question because in general, the rule is that grading is not done at greater than a 5x loupe, but your not going to see many double dies at that level of magnification... Ruben
I have a 10x I use the most, gives you a general close up. Then I use the 15x for closer inspection, and finally the 30x on rare occasions.
Depending on the coin - I have 10x, 16x - and then my scope to use 60x or 200x. The 10x is over kill for some of the large cents and I really need a 5x.
Well when looking at old coins you need antique equipment. I use an old Bausch & lombe loupe (circa 1912) 4X. For more extensive work i use this old Spencer (circa 1930) (12X) binocular microscope. Traci :computer:
I would say your question is pending on how many coins you plan on checking for such items as you mentioned. If you have only few coins, then large magnification items are still pending on your likes and dislikes, like anything else. However, if you have thousands and thousands of coins to view, and you use a microscope type set up, you really have to much spare time on your hands. For example I know I have 2,650 of those 1943 Steel Lincoln Cents. I've read in www.coppercoins.com books and web site about all the possible varieties of them. Assuming about 5 minutes/coin not including time to set up stuff, this is 13,250 minutes or 220.83 hours if working continuosly. And then if nothing found??????? Could have watched a great program on TV, washed one of my cars, went to a nice restaurant. :goofer: My suggestion is use whatever makes you feel OK and don't spend more on a magnification process than the coins are worth.
