Ok I am in the market to buy a 10x triplet loupe and before I bought thought I would make an inquiry and see if there is a consensus on anything I should look for in a good loupe. I don’t want to spend a fortune, just wanting a good value. Thanks
Supplies like your coins should not be skimped on. Why buy expensive coins with a cheap loupe? Quality loupes are needed. Good glass can make a huge difference.
I generally use a Bausch and Lombe 7x. They wholesale for $25ish and retail for $45. Now if I could just stop losing them! I go through 4 or 5 a year
There is a lot that has been said about the use of magnification when it comes to coins. But what some even advanced collectors never realize is that - as it is with many other things - too much of a good thing can be bad. When it comes to examining coins the single best tools you have are your own eyes. A coin should aways be studied & graded first with the naked eye. And if your eye sees something that warrants a closer look - then use magnification - just not too much. A 5 X glass is thought by many of the world's foremost grading experts to be the perfect strength. A glass should also be as large in diameter as you can find to allow you to be able to examine as much of the coin at the same time as possible. Now standard magnifying lenses like those you see in the drugstore typically come in either 3 X or 4 X. But the quality of the lense is poor. But the diameter can be up to 3 inches which is very helpful when you just want to "look" at your coins. They are also very inexpensive. But for use when buying or grading a coin - Bosch & Lomb makes a very good quality 5 X glass that comes in a protective snap-close case with a diameter of about 1 1/2". This is a quite handy size and the glass fits easily and comfortably into your pocket. They usually cost about $12. Stronger magnification may be called for in some circumstances. If you see something with your eye or a 5 X that does not look quite right - then stronger magnification may be in order. It is particularly helpful when trying to identify varieties or to ensure authenticity of a coin you supsect may be counterfeit. For cases like this 10 X or perhaps more in rare cases is called for. But the diameter of a loupe is typically about 3/8 to 1/2 inches. This only allows you to observe a very small portion of the coin at one time. This is not a good thing when to grading a coin. Too strong of magnification will also cause many to focus on very small & minor flaws when grading coins. The end result is that many collectors under-grade their coins. This is a very common mistake for too many think that the stronger the better.
Thanks for the information. At home I have a lamp attached to my computer desk that has a fluorescent circular light with a magnifying lens in the middle. The head of the lamp is on an arm that can pivot, extend and retract as needed. I am in need of a good loupe and the information provided will be extremely helpful. Thanks to all once more
Good information on the loupes has already been posted here, but I can't resist addressing another subject. I have one of the lights you describe. I love the lens but not the light itself. Coins can look much different under fluorescent light than incandescent light. Fuorescents can wash out some features and plays havoc as far as colors go. A regular desk lamp with a 60 watt bulb is what I use to view coins.
I use one of those adjustable lights with the 4-1/2" lens, but I use a desk lamp to illuminate the coins, and don't even have a flourescent bulb in the lamp.
I noticed that the coins did appear different under the fluorescent light. Have to get another bulb if I can find one. Thanks for all the information. I am learning everyday
There's nothing as good as an Eschenbach loupe. Will cost you 75 bucks and will become one of the best investments you will make in examining coins. Rgrds Tom
I use a 10x Bausch & Lombe. But for getting down and dirty, I use a Micronta 30X illimunated magnifier. This baby shows all kinds of goodies that you would normally miss. I have seen this item (minus the Micronta name) advertised for over $100, but it's a Radio Shack item, # 63-851. I think I paid $10. Once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it. The only drawback is, you need to be touching the surface of the holder to get a good view. Once you get used to this, you can view coins without worrying about damaging them. EDIT- Looks like they replaced it with # 63-1133
I agree that a 5x is perfect for grading. For cherrypicking, I use a 16x. It has more than enough magnification for close inspection and you don't have to get as close to the coin thus avoiding any chance of accidental contact.
