I am fairly new to numismatics. I am currently collecting Lincolns. I right now use a pretty cheap 4X (I think) plastic magnifier I picked up for a couple bucks at a hobby store. I am thinking about getting somethin like a 7X Bausch and Lomb loupe. Is that the best bet for general grading? Should I also buy a higher power one for closer study? What are the best places to buy these (best price) on the internet? Anyone know of anyplace in the Kansas City area? Thanks, Troy
Check out these guys or do a simple google search on magnifiers: http://www.brent-krueger.com/magnifiers.html Read on from their site: "The ANA recommends a magnification level of between 5 and 10x for general coin inspection and grading. Magnifiers exceeding 10x are generally used for variety, error and counterfeit detection. Along with higher magnification levels comes a narrower field of view (the lens is generally smaller and you see less of surface area of the coin, but the surface area you do see is highly magnified) and focal length (distance between the lens and the object you're viewing). Also, as the magnification level increases, the lens diameter decreases.
I’ve had a set of these 10x/20x magnifiers for a good 16years. http://www.penntoolco.com/catalog/products/products.cfm?categoryID=5212 and these are nice for looking at pocket change and to pick splinters out of your fingers. http://www.penntoolco.com/catalog/products/products.cfm?categoryID=5197
The advice I've been given is that there are 2 kinds of loupes; those that are Bausch and Lomb and then everything else. That said, it sounds like the B&L 7x you are looking at would be a good choice unless you are a die variety or error collector.
I use a cheap 10X loupe that works well for me, as a amateur collector. eBay lists some nice microscopes that should satisfy the most detail-oriented collector, and some can have cameras mounted on them.
"Anyone know of anyplace in the Kansas City area?" Seems I remember a coin shop east of I-35 on 87th Street, near Lenexa. But it was closed by time I got there. Darn work keeps getting in the way of my hobby.
Personally I prefer the Bausch & Lomb 5x for grading and general use. But I do own a 10x for checking fine detail when needed. You can purchase the 5x Click Here for under $10.
I use an inexpensive 10X loupe I found at a flea market, and I might buy an inexpensive 5X loupe the next time I'm there. I seem to have a mental block against paying $35+ for a better one because I mentally price things in terms of coins. And I keep thinking that I can buy a better loupe, or 4 more silver eagles -- and the eagles always win.
There was a man with really good information on loupes in the Open forum. He also had some for sale. But the info was worthwhile for anyone buying a loupe. I'm sure that the thread is still there, it was just a few months back.
