I'm in the market for a high-quality magnifier soI can more accurately grade my coins. I was curious to know what works best for everyone, and if they have any specific recommendations (hands-free, pocket size, preferred magnification power, etc.). Thanks.
I think grading services use 5X power if they need any magnification at all. Maybe higher for varieties. For home use, I use a 10x/20x stereo microscope. Hands free and you get a really nice 3D image, as long as you have two eyes. I use a Bausch & Lomb packette on the road. It's low priced, about $8.
i use a stereo microscope 10 and 30 power with illumination with a dimmer,i love it! i also use a 4 power loupe that i carry with me for a once over for my change. grizz
I'll have to get back to you on the brand of mine, but I bought it off of eBay in 'as new condition' for $45 including shipping. There are some great deals on used ones out there. I might be selling mine, look at my ad in the open forum, it's about 6 months back....
brand names? Could you still post the brand of your scopes? I would still like to look around, but have something to start comparing other things too... Thanks!
I will give you a different answer. I use a loop (for lack of a better term) sold for stitch counting. It has a base so I can set it on something (for loose coins) or on the coin holder. That puts it in perfect focus immediately and allows plenty of light in. If I remember correctly, it is only 6X, but I see more coin much clearer and brighter than my true loop (10x/20X). To me it appear to be at least nearly the same size. By the way, it collapses to a little square for carrying.
I swear by my b&l 5X and my radio shack microscope that fits in the palm of my hand and goes to about 60X
I prefer a 16X jewelers loupe. A bit stronger than most but helps me spot RPM, RPD etc. I also like to carry just a plain old fashioned magnifying glass for a quick perusal of a coin. For much larger magnification I use my microscope which just happens to be a kids toy. Punch QX3 into the ebay search engine and you'll find them. It takes really good pics at 60X to really show off any doubling etc. My weapon of choice on a daily basis though is definitely the 16X loupe.
My current loupe is a 16x given to me by my brother for Christmas. It works well for me. I'm thinking about getting a 5x or 10x that is smaller to carry with me wherever I go. I also use a magnifying glass as well when I want a larger area to view. Hope to get a microscope as well.
There are many things you need a loupe for when collecting coins. And because there are many uses there many different powers of magnification that are needed. However, you asked 1 specific question and that was what to use for grading. The answer is 5x - period. Any stronger than that and you will under-grade your coins. Now, you don't have to take my word for it. You can read any grading book you want or ask any of the best graders in the business - you will get the same answer - 5x.
I would say another reason would be that sometimes you can get a bit queasy when looking through the stronger magnifications for a long time. I learned that the hard way when I first got it.
