Hey all, I apologize if this is in the wrong section and please move it if it is, but I was just wondering what magnifications work best for inspecting coins. I know there's a range of magnifiers and thats what is confusing me. Am i fine with using a 7x or 10x or do I need more? Also, for inspecting for DD errors, what magnification should I have for that. Thanks in advance.
So from what I'm gathering from these first two posts is that I dont need a whole ton of magnification. Good to know lol. Thanks for the welcome TC ^^
For other than significant varieties you will most likely need a stronger glass. Depending on how minor, a 16x or more may be needed, but for general grading 5x (give or take) will suffice. If something you will use often, spend a little extra on quality optics and avoid the ebay cheapies (many of which do not have the magnification claimed).
I have a 7x and 10x jewelers loupe and I just got a bausch and limb 5x pachette magnifier. It was about 9 dollars plus shipping As everyone else said for general use a 5x is plenty but higher ones are needed when you are looking for varietys
RR, Welcome to the forum! The others have weighed in on magnification, let me throw other factors in. Get the best quality you can afford, look at some small print and see how much distortion you have from edge to edge of the glass. That is most important. Also if you intend to shoot photos through the magnifier, get a "long focus distance" lens. These allow you to be further away from the object so you don't block your own light. I have some 99 cent 2 plastic lens magnifiers, which go to 10X and I take them to the coin club or other places they may disappear, but they have distortion on the edges galore. My good one stays in my pocket Any magnifier is better than none, especially if you are an older person Jim
