Does anyone know of a cheap microscope...

lafatlife · Sep 21, 2009

that I can get to view coins and get better pictures? I remember reading about someone on here buying a kids one off the discount shelf at walmart but can't find the post.

Thanks.

extractor · Sep 21, 2009

Check at garage sales, I see them there at least once a month.

rayredditch · Sep 21, 2009

Get a USB one from one of the discount stores, they´re cheap and give good resolution.

lafatlife · Sep 21, 2009

I was looking at the usb ones but they are running around 300 dollars!!!

rayredditch · Sep 21, 2009

lafatlife said:
I was looking at the usb ones but they are running around 300 dollars!!!

From the discounters in Europe they run at about 40.00 Euros so would be about 40.00 dollars in the States. Try LIDL or somewhere like that, or on the internet.

diggemall · Sep 21, 2009

Somebody posted in here a year or more ago about an inexpensive USB microscope

If someone that has search rights (that wouldn't be me) could do a little digging.................

Diggem'

auferret · Sep 22, 2009

lafatlife said:
I was looking at the usb ones but they are running around 300 dollars!!!

I looked on amazon.com yesterday and the cheapest one there was around $54. I have seen them a lot cheaper, I just can't remember where.

Woodland Detectors · Sep 22, 2009

Here's what you do. Every city has a college right

Now, I work for the State and I know for a fact that every college has a surplus store. I have bought some great items from these stores CHEAP!!!!!!! (Top of the Line) You have to contact the store on campus to see when the public can come in and buy these items...Yes they get Microscopes coming and going. I have bought them there. Along with magnifier lights. I have bought microscopes for as low as 30 dollars...Yes, they are used. But still work fine. When a college gets new equipment where do you think the older stuff goes? They sell it. Quite honestly, for this hobby all you really need is a jewelers Loupe. I have one attached to "zip strip" in my office always handy if I need it to see a date or to read a back mark. Cheers, Mike

NGE · Sep 22, 2009

I've got a 10-X loupe and a good camera w/super macro. Have you thought about an overhead projector? Put yer item on the bed and project image on the wall.......NGE

lafatlife · Sep 22, 2009

I don't think a regular microscope would work as the light comes from underneath the item. That doesn't work for coins.

I remember someone on here mentioning one and showing some of the pictures he took from it but I can't find it.