Whats the optimal magnification needed to see all aspects of a coin?

Im currently using a 10x magnifier I got for free with an order from Whitman, I still find it hard to see some details on my coins though. How high should I go?

 

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If it can't be seen with a 10x loupe, it's usually to small to worry about. A lot of people do use higher magnification to confirm it though.

 

ahh gotcha, thanks fellas, maybe its just my eyes that have a hard time seeing contrast. Thanks for the input, at least I know I dont need too upgrade. Thanks again!

 

I use 4x in most cases and then 10x to look at what I think might be a variety or error. IMO, using 10x to look at coins just reveals every little imperfection that might not even influence the grade. The higher the mag, the worse the coin will look and it may inappropriately skew your opinion.

The best way to evaluate a coin is the with the naked eye. That's where you should always start.

 

What kind of light are you using? If you search the threads you should be able to find several threads that discuss proper lighting for viewing coins. I use an adjustable desk lamp with an incandescent bulb. Florescent lighting tends to hide hairlines and small scratches.

 

Careful, some cheap magnifiers distort, whereas a eye loupe of good quality will not.

 

You may be like me. My eyes aren't as good anymore so a nice full frame photo allows me to see what others do looking at a coin in hand.

 

I have about five loupes and like my 8x the best. Can still see the whole coin but can look at the fine details in a Buffalo's hide or skirt lines on a Walker.

 

I must be, I can see things much better if I take a photo of it.

Thanks for all the responses, good to know what everyone uses, maybe I just need a higher quality 10x magnifier.

 

Just picked up a neat toy for under $10 delivered. a 45x lighted mini microscope.
Only good for small areas at a time but what things you can see at 45X is amazing

 

i use 20 x

 

yep mini micro kiks ass

 

i use a 5X Bausch & Lomb sliding plastic magnifier.

 

I have a 16 power which is my favorite for varities; however, when grading a coin I absolutley cannot use that magnifier. I also have a micro scope I use as well.

For grading and general purpose, a 5X should be sufficient if you can find a 'triplet' that would best. You should be able to find a decent one for a few dollars online.

 

zen feeling grandpa there is no other way to grade a coin accurately. none and you know it. tis our lil secret

 

I use handheld 10x loupes kinda like spotters scopes since light in the viewers biggest enemy for certain coin characteristics. Especially if you don't really know what you are looking for and especially at coin shows where lighting is usually minimal and flourescent.

I use my 10x Stero Scope at home for finalization and photography since the lighting is fully adjustable for optimal viewing.

Most folks diss the use of a microscope but the only real difference between a 10x loupe and a 10x scope is the lighting, which, as I said, is your biggest enemy.

IMO, a collector needs to test drive many, many loupe to find the magnification and brand which best suits his/her needs. If necessary, multiple loupes can and should be used.

 

^^ This.

I have a 16x/32x binocular microscope that I use for authentication purposes, but it is too strong to use for grading. Trust me, every coin looks bad under it, but it is helpful to see fake mintmarks, etc. A 5x loupe, or a combo 5x/10x is all most people will ever need.

 

I don't use a loop when I grade however I have a 18X jewelers loop that I use for close up inspection if I see something funky or when I am identifying Vams on Morgans.