Magnifier question

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by kendo, Nov 18, 2006.

  1. kendo

    kendo New Member

    In your opinion, what is the best loupe for the money? What do you use and what magnification is it?
     
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  3. satootoko

    satootoko Retired

  4. kendo

    kendo New Member

    thank you I couldnt find anything
     
  5. walterallen

    walterallen Coin Collector

    I use a Bausch and Lomb 5X. It closes into itself and is easy to carry in the pocket. The prices is well under ten bucks. For me it's a must have.
    I also have a 10X loop but I find that at that power you become to critical at what you see, unless your looking for die/strike errors and such.
     
  6. Burks

    Burks New Member

    I use a Globe 5x-10x. It was a cheap loupe I purchased for like $3. Works for what I need it to do (check for double dies, mint mark varities, etc). Basically the best $3 I've spent concerning this hobby.
     
  7. Speedy

    Speedy Researching Coins Supporter

    I have used a 10x anco for along time but I just ordered a 4x from another company---I can't remember what namebrand it is but the ANA Sells it for around $17.

    Speedy
     
  8. kendo

    kendo New Member

    Would a 20x be to much for hard to see details or would a 10x be just fine?
     
  9. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    I have used a Bausch and Lomb 10X, and I have used others. Go to the store (if you can) and try them out.
    Also, the ones that the ANA sell are excellent.
     
  10. Speedy

    Speedy Researching Coins Supporter

    For grading a 10x is too much----but if you are looking for such things as RPM or DD's then a 20x might be great---a 10x was fine for everything I needed but I wasn't much into Varieties.

    Speedy
     
  11. kendo

    kendo New Member

    Do you know what TPG's use? Thank you.
     
  12. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator


    Most of the time they use their eyes. Professional graders only use magnification when necessary, and then it's 5x.
     
  13. shatsi

    shatsi Senior Member

    One thing I've noticed, the coin shows that I attend has very dim yellow light. Even with the magnifier it doesn't give an accurate picture. Once outside it looks different. I guess I need one with a light!!
     
  14. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator


    But doesn't just about every table have a swing arm lamp attached to it ? Those lamps are to be used for viewing the coins individually.

    In today's world there are a half dozen or more types of lightbulbs available, and each one of them can make a coin look different. When examining a coin for grading or just examination a regular 75W - 100W incandescent bulb is recommended.
     
  15. shatsi

    shatsi Senior Member

    The do have lamps but its yellow light, I prefer florescent-white. Maybe its just me.
     
  16. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    There is a reason they use the yellow (regular) light, fluorescent light does not show defects to the naked eye like incandescent light does. It also makes it harder to judge the luster.
     
  17. shatsi

    shatsi Senior Member

    I didn't know that. I always find it difficult under the yellow light.

    I was thinking of getting something like the 7X eschenbach LED magnifier but seems pricey.
     
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