I was at the mall yesterday getting some Christmas shopping done, and I found quite a neat little magnifying glass at The Sharper Image store. Check it out: http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/product/sku__CN309 Not too bad for $15. I didn't see this one in-store, but it looks pretty nice as well: http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/product/sku__CN310
There must be a world coin collector involved in preparing those catalog entries. I found it interesting that the quintessentially American gadget company didn't include a single US coin in the ad.
I did not know someone other than the USA made a copper color coin with Lincoln on the observe. Can some one please tell me who made it.
I think that coin came from Lincoln Nebraska. Was minted as a futuristic coin back in the early 1700's, Before Nebraska was part of the USA. :whistle: They wanted to use Lead to make the coin but Marty from Back to the Future told them it wasnt a good idea to use lead with a portrait of a guy who wasn't born yet.
Ooooooooooops. I was looking at the coins surrounding the glass, not the one it was focused on. That's okay, it was only my second mistake of the year. The first one was when I thought I had done something else incorrectly.
Has anyone seen any of the standing lighted magnifiers going for cheaper than $40 (but still good quality)?
Well, For me because I have nerve damage in my eyes so I NEVER see 20/20 even with my glasses on. 2.5 of 20/30 (on a good day) doesn't cut it nor does 5X. 10X is passable but I really like my 16X as I have been known to do a bit of cherrypicking and if you had my eyes you would REALLY appreciate the extra firepower. Basically my vision sucks and I can really sympathize with those that have it even worse.
i dont have any vision problems, i just like to see things crisp and clear. i have a 20x loupe, but its REALLY bad (plastic lenses). I want to find a nice 10 or 20x loupe that gives nice clean images.
I can understand the need to help vision problems clembo - no way around that. And higher x is often needed to identify some varieties or possible authentication issues. But when examining coins with magnification, more is not better for most people. It is in fact far worse in most cases. But most people don't realize this. That's why I always mention it when the subject comes up. What is desirable in a magnifying glass or loupe, for use with coins - is a quality lens, as large a field of vision as you can get ( in other words a large lens ), and a lens of medium power, generally 5x. Any more magnification than that tends to make you focus on things that you should not be focusing on. And this will eventually cause you to consistently under-grade your coins.
Well, I'm glad you understand that while making a good point as well. I still carry a large field lens for quick perusal but it's really not enough. One of my local dealers always has a 5X on hand and I don't like those. Like I said a 10X is passable. 16X I see a lot and it is good for cherry picking even in my eyes. Starting to think I do undergrade at times though. Maybe I should get a 10X but I'd rather undergrade than overgrade. I use my 16X when buying as well.
It is always better to undergrade than overgrade. That is what keeps me from overpaying for coins! I actually use a 10X loupe myself. Of course, if the coin you're looking at is one that you already own then you might be better off not examining it under any magnification because most coins look better that way!
Very good point Doug!!! And one i dont think i ever thought of. I usually dont grade my coins though, since i'm usually way off. The coins i have will never be sold (save any drastic economic tragedies) so grading them wouldnt give me any more enjoyment out of them I just like looking at them close up. But to go along with your excellent point, i should pick up a 5x loupe as well, to use when i do try grading.... and keep the larger loupe for other viewing
loupes and other tools for vision assistance Hi all: Interesting thread. I to have vision problems 20/40 and 20/60 corrected along with a degentive generic eye Disease (RP). I am looking for the right set tools to assist me in examining tools as well. I will be gettin gthe recommended 5x for grading but I do beleive that with my vison i wil need more to really see the coins cleanly. Has anyone used the device that is worn around your head and comes down over your eyes? Can you get them with interchangable lenses? Any recommendations as to a Good place to buy loupes and all? I have been looking into various electronic/ computer assisted solutions but have not found anything that, IMHO fits the bill. Havea GREAT Day!!
I use one of these from safe systems uk,and i get a great 7x (which is ok for my sovereigns) Coin Magnifier 7x High quality glass lens diameter 45 mm. Enlargement 7x. Black rim. Transparent stand diameter 75 mm. With scale in base plate for measurement of the coins diameter.
