Having Issues With A 50-500x USB Microscope

50x minimum is way too much. When buying a scope look for one that is a max of 200x and as low as possible,like 5x.Try setting your scope on the lowest setting...50x and choose a coin you want to take a whole shot of.Then lift the scope by hand to get an idea of what height you need and then find a suitable base like a stack of books.If you have a point-n- shoot camera use that it's a lot easier,that's what I do most of the time.Good luck.
John1