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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;GDJMSP, post: 12381, member: 112&quot;]There is a lot that has been said about the use of magnification when it comes to coins. But what some even advanced collectors never realize is that - as it is with many other things -&nbsp; too much of a good thing can be bad.</p><p><br /></p><p>When it comes to examining coins the single best tools you have are your own eyes. A coin should aways be studied &amp; graded first with the naked eye. And if your eye sees something that warrants a closer look - then use magnification - just not too much. </p><p><br /></p><p>A 5 X glass is thought by many of the world&#039;s foremost grading experts to be the perfect strength. A glass should also be as large in diameter as you can find to allow you to be able to examine as much of the coin at the same time as possible. Now standard magnifying lenses like those you see in the drugstore typically come in either 3 X or 4 X. But the quality of the lense is poor. But the diameter can be up to 3 inches which is very helpful when you just want to &quot;look&quot; at your coins. They are also very inexpensive.</p><p><br /></p><p>But for use when buying or grading a coin - Bosch &amp; Lomb makes a very good quality 5 X glass that comes in a protective snap-close case with a diameter of about 1 1/2&quot;. This is a quite handy size and the glass fits easily and comfortably into your pocket. They usually cost about $12.</p><p><br /></p><p>Stronger magnification may be called for in some circumstances. If you see something with your eye or a 5 X that does not look quite right - then stronger magnification may be in order. It is particularly helpful when trying to identify varieties or to ensure authenticity of a coin you supsect may be counterfeit. For cases like this 10 X or perhaps more in rare cases is called for.</p><p><br /></p><p>But the diameter of a loupe is typically about 3/8 to 1/2 inches. This only allows you to observe a very small portion of the coin at one time. This is not a good thing when to grading a coin. Too strong of magnification will also cause many to focus on very small &amp; minor flaws when grading coins. The end result is that many collectors under-grade their coins. This is a very common mistake for too many think that the stronger the better.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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