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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,532 |
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New Member
Canada
4 Posts |
I've been collecting new issue coins from bank rolls for the last 3 years and my eyes are starting to hurt more often when viewing them through my eyeglass. I find I can't see all the finer details of a coin unless viewed under an artificial light. I've been using a desk lamp with a halogen bulb but the glare off the coins is too much.
Anyone know how the guys at grading companies manage to do this everyday without going blind? I enjoy the hobby and plan to keep it up but it's not worth losing my eyesight. Any tips would be appreciated.
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12813 Posts |
Hi Sharkbait, and  Pretty sure you're not alone with your issues. I can see the ticker on the bottom of SportsCenter from across the bar perfectly but sometimes can't make out coin details in a dark room. C'est la vie. For serious, lengthy coin-grading/sorting sessions, you'll want a very brightly-lit room with light coming from multiple diffused sources if possible. That way there's no one light source to reflect straight into your eyes (like a singular light shining straight on a coin could do). You may have to experiment with different loupes, magnifiers, etc. to find whatever's comfortable for you and causes the least amount of eye strain. Good luck! |
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New Member
 Canada
4 Posts |
Good to know I'm not alone  I thought there may have been a certain type of bulb to use to decrease the glare that I didn't know about. I'll guess I'll play around with the lighting till I find something that works. Thanks for the reply |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12813 Posts |
I think fluorescent light that's not shining straight at your work is ideal. Think of those fixtures that hang from the ceiling, but the light doesn't shine straight down. Rather, it bounces off the ceiling (thus is diffused) before it comes to your work pieces. Or one of those 1990's halogen lights that shine up towards the ceiling.
As far as bulb choice, there are daylight bulbs (both fluorescent and incandescent) that you can buy, and blue lights that are supposedly easier on the eyes. If you don't get out of the house much, there are "sunlight" bulbs that somehow emit vitamin D as well. :)
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Valued Member
South Africa
453 Posts |
I use this, its a mesh counter to count the sieve treads in a wheat mill sifter, so not only is it good for wheat milling but coins as well, I placed a ASE so you can judge the size, and it folds up so its very small and you can carry it around to your lcs!    |
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Pillar of the Community
Thailand
1509 Posts |
How about a circular flourescent magnifying lamp. The usual wattage is 22 but lower wattage bulbs are available (11/12 watt).
The magnification is very good and it's hands free.
I used to have one some years ago and found it invaluable when you're examining many coins in succession.
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
For serious, lengthy coin-grading/sorting sessions, you'll want a very brightly-lit room with light coming from multiple diffused sources if possible. That way there's no one light source to reflect straight into your eyes (like a singular light shining straight on a coin could do).
Excellent ideas here, but this, first and foremost. Bring All The Lights. A well-lit room of fluorescent overheads, plus broader-beam aimable table lighting (maybe a low-wattage R40?) is going to be a lot easier on your eyes. Then, tailor a magnification capability to the type of looking you do. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
It's interesting how everyone seems to be describing an "ideal grading environment" that is exactly the opposite of what the grading services use.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1839 Posts |
Edited by Tbone
08/18/2014 7:32 pm
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Pillar of the Community
Thailand
1509 Posts |
Just watched the video. Very interesting and thorough but...no gloves?
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Just do as I do. GUESS. Nothing to loose if wrong and as long as their yours, so what. If I say this coin is a MS-97, who can dispute that if if's in my house, in my Album, in my bookcase. Just GUESS.
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,532 |
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Posted 08/16/2014 02:44 am
