Hey guys, I'm rather new to coin collecting, but as I'm delving deeper I want to make sure that I don't miss any double dies, etc. All I've got right now is some cheapo 2-4x magnifying glass, and I don't think it offers enough magnification to really check for fine details. That being said, I was hoping some of the more seasoned collectors could offer their magnification recommendations! If possible (and within my price range) I'd love something that could also take pictures or upload to my computer, something like that...I'd love to be able to upload some detailed photos to share with the community, but my camera just doesn't like zooming in that much!! Your time and help is greatly appreciated, Drew
As far as magnifiers go, I would suggest a 30X loupe if you are searching for varieties. You can pick these up for relatively cheap. Just make sure it's a 3 element Hastings style. As for cameras? I would do a search of the forums and you'll see a lot of discussions about photographing coins which should help you in your decision.
Everyone is different, but I generally use a 5x for grading or for just general inspection. A 10x is great for searching the finer details of your coins. If your into varieties a loupe is a must, I usually use a 17x, but as Jody mentioned if you want to get up close and personal a 30x is recommended. It usually depends on the person and what they're comfortable with. Welcome to CT...
Just depends on you! For quick scans the the 5x works great But if You looking for more detailed work you will need the 30x
Hello DMiller, You want to be able to see the entire coin when you are grading. A quality 3x to 5x is typically a good way to see the entire coin. A 10x or even 17x is useful for checking details like mint marks, full heads, split bands, etc. Search CT for threads including keywords like "magnifing" and you will find several good recommendations. Also, search for "camera", "phototography" or "numismatography" and you will find plenty of recommendations for cameras & features. I recently purchased a Canon Power Shot SD1300 IS and I am very happy with it.
I bought this really cool loupe at Office Depot about 4 months ago. Don't know if yours has it, but it has three lenses that can work together or seperately, so it can give you 3x, 6x, and 9x and it was like $8. The lenses are fairly good sized considering that it still folds up so you can get it in your pocket. I think you'll find that different people use different magnifications for grading. I tend to use a 3x and 6x for grading stuff. But I know a guy who is a fantastic grader and he only uses a 10x loupe. FWIW, I find that if I can't see a variety, overdate, repunched mintmark, etc. at 9x, then it isn't something I want to collect anyway. Steve
Thanks for all the great advice! Numismatography is a new term to me, but it turned up a ton of very useful information!! Appreciate the help, Drew
I think the best bang for the buck is a used stereo microscope from eBay. It will allow you to see your coins in 3-D and you can use a USB camera in one of the eyepieces. If using a regular camera, make sure that you are using the 'macro' mode for close focusing.
I bought a 5x loupe and a 10x loupe for $10 a pop at my school's bookstore in the science lab supplies section. I'm the proverbial poor college student, so I didn't want to buy one from a coin shop because they'd probably inflate the price (and because I'd probably get distracted and wind up buying a whole ton of coins while I'm at it!) So my suggestion would be to visit a college bookstore if you live near one. The ones that I bought are stainless steel, foldable, compact, and most importantly: cheap! Hope that helps!
