Collector Accessories

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Cris, by finding this forum you have already did well, because here you can gain knowledge and equip yourself to become a better more informed collector......

Knowledge is key...

 

Here's a short list of the stuff that I keep around. Of course it will all hinge on what you collect....

1. Computer - for access to auctions / coin information
2. 16x Hastings Triplet
3. 10x30x Stereo Microscope
4. Scale
5. Books, Books, Books - buy every book you can about the series your most interested in.
6. Membership to orginizations that interest you most. For me, thats CONECA and FSNC.
7. 2x2 Clear plastic flips w/inserts
8. 2x2 pages / binder
9. Fireproof safe (lagged to the floor/wall)
10. 9mm

 

*GASP! CRINGE! SHUDDER!*

 

You know, that is one thing that falls in the category of unconscious association. As soon as I saw that, my brain flashed "Large collection of valuables in a small package = 12 gauge"

Cris

 

ND, do you know the manufacturer of the microscope you showed?

 

I will look and post it.

They attend all the major shows.

Great people!

 

Well, I did it: I sprung for a scale. I got the one from Amos Advantage:

http://www.amosadvantage.com:80/scottonline/productgroup.asp?category=SCLE&part_no=&Tab=c

and I'm very happy with it. Measures up to seven or eight ounces. Can display in grams, ounces, troy ounces, or pennyweight. Grams down to 0.1 g.

Comes with a 200g weight for calibration. Also provides assurance the scale doesn't need calibration: every time I fire it up, it measures 200.0 g with the weight.

You can also zero it out with a weight applied; for example, a small container. Then the display reflects the weight of the item in the container (and not the weight of the container).

The web site shows a price of $150, but if you subscribe to Coin World Amos sells it for $125.

I bought it to verify authenticity of gold coins I buy, but I also found it useful in my pocket change penny collection to figure out which 1982 cents are copper and which are copper-coated zinc.

 

About two years ago I went to a local locksmith and safe company to investigate a home safe. I wanted something pretty large and very safe. We finally came to a price agreement and then the "deal" fell apart. I asked about delivery and setup. They hire temps from the labor company for delivery work. The store owner's explanation was "We're insured. What do you care who we use?"

In my mind there's only one thing worse than someone breaking in and stealing my coins and such. That's having someone waiting in the house for you to return to open the safe for them. Forget the "quickdraw Dirty Harry stuff" - they wait - you lose.

 

Since this thread has been revised, I am adding the link to the microscope company that I use. I use the stereo zoom microscope 7-45 power. Works fantastically for those little details. Camera attaches easily for nice pics of doubling, or any other errors.

http://coinoptics.com/order/cat4.html

Now this tool isn't necessary for the average collector. If you like varieties and taking super close up images of a small area such as mintmark, I highly recommend purchasing one.

 

One thing that hasen't been mentioned that every collector needs who has very valuable items in his/her house, which I have, as well as many other collectors around here....
A LARGE GUN. A sign up at the front of your property that says "no trespassing" If someone fails to comply to this, they are officially open for your target practice, at least that's how it works where I live. Git ur Dun! ( oklahoma ) .

Oh, and as for the safe question, I have seen LARGE gun safes at walmart, going for the same exact price, you would pay for one of those little sentry fireproof ones that don't stand but a foot high, if even that. ( 149.00 )

 

I'm not licensed in Oklahoma, so I won't comment on their laws, but be sure and have the cards of a top-flight criminal defense lawyer and a good bail bondsman in your pocket if you blindly follow that advice in California .