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 Replies: 16 / Views: 4,519 |
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New Member
Canada
11 Posts |
Hi All,
I'm new to this forum and to coins. I recently received coins passed on to me.
I have bought the Charlton 2010 book and a couple others.
Now, my head is spinning and my eyes too...LOL
Question, what do you all use to check out the details on your coins?
I bought a couple of magnifying glasses, but they don't seem to show as much as I need to see. 2 and 3 x's magnification.
Any suggestions? I just read in the grading thread that the graders may use a microscope?
True/False?
What should I buy and where would I find the tools of the trade?
Also, what are the best storage pouches for coins to avoid any further handling?
Thanks all for your help.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
636 Posts |
Ive always been told that a 10x loupe works well, so I bought one and I got no complaints
They're dirt cheap too..like 8-10 bucks.
Let me see if I can find a link somewhere
Edited by Dollar1948
10/19/2009 5:24 pm
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
636 Posts |
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Valued Member
197 Posts |
For most coin examining and grading, an 8 or 10X loupe should suffice, but get one with good lenses or they will distort. If you are into varieties, then a 16X should be your minimum. If you are heavy into varieties, you may want a 10X/30X binoc microscope. Lighting is always a problem with an examination, so make sure that you have adequate, preferably sunlight to keep the colors true. You will probably ned to combine lighting sources to suit your needs.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1418 Posts |
 I use a lighted 7x magnifying glass that works great. |
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Valued Member
United States
493 Posts |
I use a 5x glass and 10x loupe for grading. For variety identification I use a 20x loupe and a 15/45 stereo microscope.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
533 Posts |
I get the most use out of a 3x plastic collapsible lens. I have a Bausch & Lomb Hastings 7x loupe that I use a lot as well but the little slide out magnifier was the first one I bought and I've had many since. Welcome!
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1051 Posts |
I went for the Nikon 10X loupe. It's great for fine details, but causes too much eye strain when used for a long period of time.
If I had it to do again, I'd seriously consider a two-lens Bausch and Lomb folding loupe with 3x/7x or 4x/9x.
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New Member
 Canada
11 Posts |
Thanks everyone for the responses.
I'll have to get to a coin store to check out their selection.
There appears to be lots of options suggested. I prefer to see them in person rather than buying online, but I can only find 2 coin places here that may have any selection.
No responses for individual coin storage? What do you all recommend?
Something reasonably priced as I would have to buy quite a few.
I will have numerous other questions as I try to educate myself.
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
to CCF. I checked out the link Dollar1948 posted and most of prices are a little high. The Ruper 10x & 20x for $36.95 is alot, I got one from a flea market for $6 but it wasn't a Ruper. The 10x is excellent and the 20x is pretty good too. I use a 14x for variety searching and it works great, I paid $5 it's an ANCO brand and I highly recommend it. I would not get one any higher in power then a 14x. As far as holders go you can use 2x2 plastic flips or 2x2 cardboard holders that you staple. Hope this helps some, John1  |
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Pillar of the Community
 Canada
9866 Posts |
I have an Intel QX5 digital scope,picked it up last year for about $70,much easier on the eyes than a loupe.I always carry a 3 lens folding with me.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
Quote:
what are the best storage pouches for coins to avoid any further handling?
You have a couple different low cost options, cardboard 2x2s(adhesive or staple) and archival quality flips(with or without label). The flips are more expensive but they also offer a bit more protection and if you get the label inserts, you have much more space for writing than a 2x2. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1571 Posts |
snowy, I would like to add to my welcome to you on your rtecent inheritance. Most people who have received coins, or collections run to the nearest coin shop and ask hiow much they can get for " all tohes coions"! Not showing much respect for the one who put together the collection which was "handed down". I am surpeised, and very pleased at the way you have received the coins, and the way you have taken an interest in them. I wonder how my collections will be received,m when the time comes. None of mt "tribe", seems interested in my coins, other than to see how much they will buy. Oddly enough, I have a sizable collection of hand, and elecrtical tools for wood-working, and fiorautomotive engine,and body repair,. There has been comments that when the time comes, the want my "tools, and car". The car has been sold, since I am now "legally blind", and cannot drive any more". The tools BTW cover many professions, ie, pluumbing, electrical woodworking, metal working, etc. Now that I don't see as well as before, the tools are nearly "excess baggage", but nevertheless remain in good hands. My coins are worth more, I'm sure. At any rate, You are the example I was hoping for in my line of off=-spring, but so far, no takers. Maybe I should adopt you, LOL
Dick
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Valued Member
Canada
351 Posts |
Welcome to the forum, I use a 5X for grading, (per ANA standards) and I use a 10, or 15X for varieties, and studying a coin. EDIT: And no, graders do not use microscopes to grade. Edited by snaz
10/26/2009 10:37 pm
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New Member
Canada
11 Posts |
I ended up with a Bausch & Lomb sliding lens. I like the size and ease of use.
I also bought hundreds of those 2 x 2 holders, catalogued and put in those heavy duty plastic sheets into binders.
Now, I really enjoy looking at all of the coins as it's all organized.
living, thanks for the warm welcome, but I don't think you'd really want to adopt me....LOL
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1571 Posts |
snowy, I might suggest another thing that will be of a lot of help, and you will use it more than you realize. That is a pgoto storage , or hosting service. I use Photobuckec.com,. the membershipmis free, and the service is user friendly. it makes foe easy posting of images you want to show. You went the way I did for my Canadiand, 2X2 flips, and 3-ring notebooks, to store, and show them as well. Just remember to mash down the ends of the staples, lest they tear the plastic, and scrastch the coin. Adopt you? I don't think your folks would go along with that idea, so lets just be friends, and maybe someone will come along that can be adopted, (beside my little dog). Speakimng of him, Meet Huicho, (weecho), doing what he does best:   Dick |
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Replies: 16 / Views: 4,519 |
Posted 10/19/2009 5:28 pm
