I'm very new to coin collecting(U.S. error coins) and I need to know what you, my members, recommend for a beginner to use without breaking my small bank account. Lighted magnifier stand= what type and mag. Should I ALWAYS where gloves? HELP and THANKS. ZG
The easiest way to go in the beginning is a hand held jewelers loop 10x magnification. a good source of natural light is my favorite. You can also use incandecent lighting I personally don't like the harshness of florecent lighting. But others will have differing opinions on the light that they like. It will just come down to what you like in the end.
A mag of 10 to 30 is more then sufficent. I use gloves on my more expensive coins but always handle them by the edges..
10X is a little too powerful for normal use because the entire coin will not be visible and small defects will look much worse than they are. I would recommend that you use a 5X or 6X loupe or a 4X magnifier. You can buy an inexpensive loupe or magnifier at your local coin shop or on-line. Normally you do not need to wear gloves when handling a coin as long as you hold it by the edge and your hands are reasonably clean.
magnifier strenght Thanks you guys! Is the a good on-line site to purchase loupes or should I always try them out rather than trust to luck? I'm 69yrs. but feel 68. Anyway, I'm not too steady(BET) so I think I should get a lighted stand as well as hand a held mag.. We'll see. ( Hate using so many I's) Also when you guys post a picture is it a photo or a coin that is scanned?
I always take photos, primarily because you have more control over how the coin looks, given the range of color and reflectivity you must deal with. Its more of a learning curve to do it right (I'm still hit or miss) but in the end it will take you much further than scanning.
