Question For Long Time Error/Variety Collectors

Personally, I don't have a microscope.

I roll search using a 10x loupe and if I find something that needs a closer look, I use a 15x loupe. If I can't see it with that, it is probably too minor to list or not worth the time to try to find out what is different. Most collectors seem to want to be able to see the error or variety without too much magnification.

I use a microscope. One I've had for several years with no plan to up grade as it does just what I want it to.
https://www.coincommunity.com/forum...AT_I_USE.jpg

In the field (coin shops) 10X is my choice with lots of light for variety hunting. If I find one that is unusual and I want to be sure I go for 30X. At home the microscope is best for me. Its not that the variety is real small but different varieties have their own signiture so to speak.

Okay...here's the scoop...

Those who have the opinion that if they don't see it with a 10X then it's not worth collecting are correct - BUT - see it with a 10X and find it with a 10X are two different things. I'll explain.

If you're going to go through a bunch of coins you've not seen before, wouldn't you want the advantage in your direction? Wouldn't you want to be reasonably certain that if you were going to spend all that time looking through them that you might at least have a good chance of finding EVERYTHING of value in them? Then why not give yourself the optical advantage to begin with?

Yes, I know the rule of the game is that if you cannot see the die variety with a 10X loupe it's probably too minor to be considered listable and collectible, but using a higher magnification to search doesn't mean you have to search harder for smaller things. It simply means that you can see the good stuff BETTER. You don't have to strain to find the goodies, and the whole experience will be that much more enjoyable.

I use a microscope much like Coop's and I generally keep it set at around 20X for searching through rolls and the like. I don't do this because I want to see the smaller stuff only visible in 20X - it's so the 10X rule is twice as big. I can easily - VERY easily spot anything collectible. Just some food for thought.

Well...I generally use a 45X Microscope loupe. Its not that I need it. I use it as it is the first loupe that I bought when I started roll searching in Oct. 2009. I have 10X, 20X and 30X loupes also. I just find it much easier to see with the 45X. My eyes seem to strain more on the lower mag loupes.

I have thought about buying USB microscope to use. I have been told that Santa might be bringing me a pen microscope set-up this Christmas. I guess I can wait a few more months.

I say use what you like best or what you have available. There are a lot of loupes available on ebay that will not bust your budget. I believe I paid $4.50US including shipping for my 45X lighted loupe. It was within my tiny budget.