Magnifiers

I am very new to coin collecting and was wondering if those of you who have experience might be able to give me some examples of good magnifiers. What makes a good magnifier and why? Good companies? etc.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

First welcome to the forum Spartan!

A lot depends on what you collect, how close you need to see it and, in my case, I have lousy vision to begin with.

My main tool is an Anco 16X Jewelers loupe. This is overkill for most but I can spot a lot of Repunched Dates and Mintmarks with it. I've had this luope for at least 15 years now so it was worth the money (which isn't much). I also carry an old "flip" style glass. Flips into it's holder. Maybe 2-3X. Can't say for sure as I've had it since childhood so almost 40 years.

Many people prefer 5 and 10X loupes. I know Bausch and Laumb(?) puts out some nice pieces.

Many more will come with advice. A good idea is to go to a local shop if possible and see if they'll let you try some. Most have several laying around as well as for sale. This is how I settled on my 16X loupe.

clembo

 

I bought an el-cheapo magnifying glass from WallyWorld. I do fine with it.

Ribbit :smile

 

I like a 6x aspheric loupe, such as the one made by Rodenstock. These are sharp corner-to-corner and you won't find a better view anywhere, but they are pricey (I paid $220 for mine.)

 

For $220 it should be the best! Think I'll stick wth my Anco.

 

I tried loupes, but for my bad eyesight a regular magnifying glass works better.

 

I would recommend 6X or 7X for general use. (10X and higher are useful for error and variety collectors.)

I would also recommend a Hastings triplet loupe because they have less distortion than other magnifiers.

 

They're not for everyone, especially for that price! I also use mine for looking at stamps and 35mm and 4x5 transparencies, which is what these high-end loupes are really made for.

 

I have a 10x loupe I got for about $12, works great. I visited a shop that sells telescopes and binoculars and had a look at their supply, I picked this because 1) I wanted something 10x 2) I'd rather not spend much and save the rest I could spend for coins

 

I've got an Eschenbach 3+6=9 Achromat.
It's got 2 lenses (3x and 6x) which can be combined to make a 9x.
VERY handy because of that.

You can lay the 3x on a dealer's display case and the coins inside will be in focus.
Nice for a quick look without having to bother the dealer at a show if he's busy.

But not cheap.
About $100 I think (it was a gift from MFD.)