Magnifying Glass for coins

[hostagedk]

Was wondering if anyone could recommend a good Magnifying glass for looking at coins. My age is overwhelming me and my eyes aren't getting any better. I was CRH the other day and had to use a small flash light to brighten the coin up to see anything. Would be great to know what would be best or what those out there seem to find the easiest to use. Thanks!

 

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[RobRieman]

I use a 20x loupe. Works great for seeing the fine details.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

A step above a straight magnifying glass, of which I have many, I wanted to be able to take pictures of the coins themselves, and picked up a Celestron Model 44302 Deluxe Handheld Digital Microscope 2MP for about $50.

It works great!

http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-Del...icroscope/dp/B004QF0A1Y/?tag=treasurenet01-20

 

[RustyGold]

A step above a straight magnifying glass, of which I have many, I wanted to be able to take pictures of the coins themselves, and picked up a Celestron Model 44302 Deluxe Handheld Digital Microscope 2MP for about $50.

It works great!

http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-Del...icroscope/dp/B004QF0A1Y/?tag=treasurenet01-20

Thanks Deepseeker! Put one in my wish list for my grandson's upcoming birthday!

 

[Pointman]

Out in the field you need something that is easy to look through and probably something adjustable. I have a Bausch and Lomb that has 3x and 7x strength.




For studying coins, etc., under a good light at home, I use a 10x triplex eye loupe. It definitely makes a difference to pay more and get a name brand. The cheaper ones have a smaller, distorted field of view, while the more expensive loupes should be undistorted. You will also pay even more for the expensive loupes with a larger millimeter lens size, but you won't have to squint as much and it is much easier to see finer details without losing your place.

I bought the $10 sets, and they were crappy. I got this packaged deal with 2 B & L magnifiers and a B & L eyeloupe on Ebay for about $40. Dirt cheap and well worth the price, but you can expect to pay at least $40-75 for a decent eyeloupe new.

Here is some additional information that may help you:

http://www.njminerals.org/loupes.html

 

[RustyGold]

I picked up this vintage Bausch & Lomb Folding Pocket Magnifier 81-26-15 2x NIB glass magnifier for under $12 on ebay that works great!

 

[timelord]

You can get it at Hobby Lobby if you have one around.

 

[texasred777]

Well, I have several things for looking at coins. I have two little microscopes the connect through the USB port on the computer and then is shown on the monitor. They can also take still pictures, or you can do video. I have two little hand held microscopes, one 10X to 20X, and the other 20X to 40X. I have one similar to the one Timelord shows. I also have a swing-arm magnifier that clamps onto my desk/workbench with a light and can be positioned just about any way needed. I use it for working on small items and viewing coins. Most of these use fluorescent lights, but for coin inspections, it is recommended to use an incandescent bulb; so I have 60 watt bulb in this one.
There is almost no limit as to what you can find online for looking at coins. Good luck with making your choice!

 

[desertgolddigger]

I have the same magnifier as Pointman. I originally purchased it for my US Large Cent collection, before that got too expensive. Now it is used for anything needing magnification. I think it would be great for field use. Just keep the dirt away, and clean it if you get it dirty. Dirt = optics worst enemy.

 

[Ima Swinger]

I use my phone to snap a couple of pics at different angles, and just zoom in. I've fond this to work great for years.

 

[pkb]

I use my phone to snap a couple of pics at different angles, and just zoom in. I've fond this to work great for years.

been using my phone more and more for stuff. Take a photo of paper work at work that I need quick reference to

 

[kshollywood]

Detectingdoodads.com

 

[sgoss66]

Thanks for the ideas, everyone. The old loupe set I use while detecting is getting pretty worn out; time to replace. This gives me some ideas! Thanks!

Steve

 

[Loco-Digger]

I have multiple.

I use this one in the field (if I remember right I got this out of a box set out for trash back in 2004).



This is mounted on my workbench for relic cleaning and coin ID when I get to the house. Picked it up at a yard sale for a buck or 2.



About 15 years ago I got this for Christmas from my mother when I worked on and built computers. I use this when I clean coins with toothpicks.



This is what I received this Christmas. I use it to post better pictures on Tnet and it works great when grading coins.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

This is what I received this Christmas. I use it to post better pictures on Tnet and it works great when grading coins.
View attachment 1253284

That's the Celestron I should have purchased. It is held stable, where the one I have leverages and doesn't do it well = won't stay in position without a lot of finagling.

 

[Loco-Digger]

That's the Celestron I should have purchased. It is held stable, where the one I have leverages and doesn't do it well = won't stay in position without a lot of finagling.

I bet you are ingenious enough to rig up a stand for yours. To look at half dollars or larger coins I need to swing the cradle around 180 degrees and set the device on a box so I can see the whole coin in the frame. I plan on adding a dowel to the shaft so It can be used without having to set it on the box.

 

[sgoss66]

Loco -- can you get that Celestron microscope to raise far enough up, so that you can get the entire coin in the picture? Or can you only see parts of the coin at a time, due to the strength of the magnification?

Steve

 

[sutphin]

I BOUGHT MYSELF A MICROSCOPE AND IT WORKS PERFECT...

 

[digger460]

I have multiple.

I use this one in the field (if I remember right I got this out of a box set out for trash back in 2004).

View attachment 1253281

This is mounted on my workbench for relic cleaning and coin ID when I get to the house. Picked it up at a yard sale for a buck or 2.

View attachment 1253282

About 15 years ago I got this for Christmas from my mother when I worked on and built computers. I use this when I clean coins with toothpicks.

View attachment 1253283

This is what I received this Christmas. I use it to post better pictures on Tnet and it works great when grading coins.

View attachment 1253284

How do you like the Celestron?

 

[HunterMF]

I took apart a cheap laser pointer and took the focusing lense out. I then used a bobby pin the hold the lense and tape the bottom part of the bobby pin to my phone with the laser lense sitting on my phone lense! Works amazingly!