Which microscope does everyone recommend for coins? We're not trying to see atoms here, just details on surfaces and perhaps evidence of tampering with mint marks, etc. Is there one specifically made for coins, or do you just use one that is lower powered than most scientific microscopes?
I have a common USB microscope with plain stand called a Dino-lite . I think I paid about $200 with stand . About 3 year user. Love it ! USB Digital Microscope Cameras | Dino-Lite (dinolite.us) Take a Look . P.S I am not affiliated with this website or Company .
Depending on your needs and finances, you have two ways to go...you can get a digital scope that you can hook up to a computer or get an optical stereo scope. If you go the optical route, a trinocular is a luxury. A Zoom scope is a must. The 10X & 30X scopes work but they limit you Most work is done from 4X to 7X. Plus, they are easier to use. More importantly is your light source. The more power you use - say 60X to view a mintmark - you'll need pinpoint light. $400 should buy a top of the line forty year old ($1800 new in the 70s) used Nikon zoom stereo scope.
There must be hundreds of variations of stereoscopes. Certainly the best have a third tube for shooting 2D photos while you view the coin in 3D. Do be sure not to get one too powerful. I get the most use out of 10x but there are many that start at 20x and even 40x which is too much for many uses with coins. Mine is so old that I can't recommend a brand but it was a cheap model then and I have seen many obviously better. The big question is how much you want to spend. I have no personal experience with these exact models but the first is what seems reasonably close to what I have: https://amscope.com/collections/stereo-microscope/products/se305r-pz This seems overkill AND will take up a lot of room to store and use. https://amscope.com/collections/stereo-microscope/products/sm-4tz-144-5mt If all you want is photos, you can get a camera adapter for any old single scope (not stereo). Mine is 80 years old and I bought it used when young.
A few months ago, I bought a basic "plugable" digital microscope with camera that connects to my computer. It is quite functional and I am enjoying its use and I guess I will be content with the use of it as I am strictly an "amateur" when it comes to coins, their values and their qualities.
Celestron makes a USB MicroCapture Pro that is 5 megapixel…it eliminates pixelation problems with close-ups. I use mine with a dual-gooseneck light set that allows me to shine either side and under the rim of the scope…Spark
…I’ll post a pic asap…Spark There ya go…the light set is AmScope…scope and light total a little over $200, but solves way more problems when viewing or taking pix… @Inspector43 …Spark
I actually have two one Both for the most reasonable price, you can afford. My low powered one I use to check the features and the date and another with built-in-camera for very very close looks. Love them both. each together totals about 150+
Here is mine, similar, uses the same application on the computer. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T5UBJHO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Inspector paid much less for his, for essentially the same thing. I have mine calibrated, so I can measure diameter of coins, etc. Just wish the stand was a little taller, and the clear plastic around the lights wasn't there, allowing me to get even closer.
I have the camera and viewing equipment. The lighting arrangement for photos of coins in capsules is my next need. Here is my set up. The Morgan is on the base and the image is on my desktop monitor. I have a tall stand so I can get full coin view of larger coins.
@Evan Saltis …the clear ring on mine slips off and back on easily…I leave it off. If you take yours off to get closer, remember there is less room for external lighting, that’s why I got the dual-gooseneck, even lighting from 10/2 or 9/3 or singular left or right. Diffusion filter paper over the lights reduces reflection and glare but you have to compensate with higher intensity…Spark
