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 Replies: 12 / Views: 2,485 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1191 Posts |
I am starting to look at variety coins and am having trouble locating the minor differences in the mint marks. Will a USB microscope help me or am I a lost cause  I saw a cheap one on ebay but wanted to ask the professionals before buying. If anyone has any experience with this particular model, does it take pictures as well and how well does is work with coins? Thanks for any information that you can provide. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2MP-1000X-8...AOSwxN5WUozt |
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
I couldn't see where it says how low the power goes just 1000x. It should go as low as possible and 1000x is wayyyyy too much. It will also take a bit of time to get to you. John1  |
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Moderator
United States
54280 Posts |
Free unsolicited advice: Look elsewhere.
Seller from China, has less than 200 feedback, 3% of which is not positive. Some comments are for being hard to work with, poor quality merchandise, or getting the wrong product.
Since the seller makes their listings private, you can't see what the buyers are complaining about.
As to the microscope, I am also interested in obtaining one some time this year.
Show your financial support of the Coin Community Family (click here)See my topic on Mexican Numismatic Medals (click here) |
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Valued Member
Canada
92 Posts |
I recently bought this one. http://www.amazon.ca/Celestron-Hand...b+microscopeIt's more expensive then others but the image quality is worth it. 200x is more than enough. Keep in mind that regardless of which usb microscope you buy, you should consider downloading a different program that lets you adjust the image (color, hue etc...) |
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Valued Member
United States
424 Posts |
I was given a Plugable USB 2.0 microscope for Christmas and I am very happy with it. I think it costs around $35 on Amazon. It will get plenty close enough to search for any errors on your coins. The one thing I learned really fast is that the stands that come with these devices are not that high of quality. I built my own holder, which is not difficult to do once you understand that you do not need to move the microscope just the coin. I will post a picture of my setup later today. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1191 Posts |
What amount of magnification is recommended?
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Valued Member
Canada
92 Posts |
I would say 20x - 200x would be a good magnification. You can also have a 10x - 100x.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1191 Posts |
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Valued Member
Canada
92 Posts |
Keep in mind, that has a 1.3mb camera so chances are you will not be satisfied with the image quality. Users that bought similar cameras to these have often had to make a new stand because the original stand doesn't support the camera very well and tips over very easily.
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
And don't forget that the lighting is going to be a pain in,you know where  John1 |
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Valued Member
Canada
92 Posts |
The built-in LEDS will be alright if used for looking at varieties and mint marks. not so much for picture of the whole coin
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Valued Member
Canada
92 Posts |
Here are examples of photos taken from my 5mp microscope. hopefully this helps   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1191 Posts |
Thank you all for the help but I think I will hold off from a microscope for now. I would rather buy a good one than upgrade later, unfortunately though, I don't have the funds for one right now.
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Replies: 12 / Views: 2,485 |
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Posted 01/11/2016 07:18 am
