Hello everyone! For grading and viewing purposes, which magnification do you prefer: 7x or 10x? And, is it necessary to have anything greater? I have 20/20 vision if that makes a difference. Oh, and I'm looking at the BL Hastings Triplets. Thanks Eric
Hi, Eric. I can usually grade coins with my unaided vision. I do, however, make use of a high-quality, glass magnifying glass. (about 2x) I also use a 10x triplet and a 13x jewelers eyepiece for detecting very small details. I think that if you purchase the Hastings loupe, you will be well pleased with it.
It is recommended by most grading professionals that 90% of grading be done with the naked eye. And if magnification is needed - 5x is recommended. Higher power magnification should not be used for grading. It tends to make you focus on minute details too much and causes you to undergrade your coins. I cannot stress this enough. This is one of those cases when bigger and stronger is not better. Strong magnification is sometimes required for variety collectors and can also be used if you have reason to suspect that a coin may not be genuine. But that's really the only time you need it or should even use it.
