I bought a new Celestron LCD Microscope Model number 44340 off eBay for $100. It lists at $219 so I did ok. First off, it's a nice scope. Second, it's not for coin collectors unless you are prepared to do image manipulation (MS picture manager does well, so it's not that big a deal). You have to do the manipulations because, like all stereo microscopes, the image that is presented on the LCD screen and the pics you will take are mirror image and inverted. That's very dosconcerting to a coin collector and takes a while to get used to. To put it plainly, the image you see is backwards and 180* out. If you are looking for a scope to do full coin imaging, this scope is not for you. If you are looking for a scope to do small and I mean small analysis, like half of the date digit of a silver dollar, then this scoipe may suit you. I do that type of analysis in my job and also coining, so it works for me. It's an awesome digital scope that will take 2MP pics. No eyepiece to stare through, just a nice LCD (3.5") to view. I'm picking up a handheld scope with a stand, Celestron model number [FONT="]44302 that will present the coins image as viewed but I will be keeping the 44340 for in close VAM work and my business. I hope this helps out those that are thinking about picking up a scope for coin work. [/FONT]
Thanks for the review snook. A couple CT member's have purchased the same scope. And one came to the same conclusion as you. Unfortunately it didn't meet his needs so he returned it to walmart where it sells for $199. -LTB
