Penny hunting and Magnifiers

[RUSSIANPAUL]

Not sure if this was asked before.

Question for you guy who actually look through the pennies for errors and such, other than just horading copper. Do any of you use a USB magnifier, where you can just plug it into your laptop, and put the coins under a magnifiying lamp? If so, any suggestions on which model would be best?

 

[Goldmanford]

I must still be in the dark ages because I didn't know there was such a thing. Sounds lke a good way to get some close-up images on your computer, too, instead of taking a picture and zooming in. I look forward to some of the responses myself because it maybe something I would be interested in in the future.

As for now, I have a 30x lighted magnifier I use to check suspect coins but I don't concentrate too much on specific errors. I have found a few grease-filled die errors and cuds though.

 

[Diver_Down]

When searching cents, it is easier to have a checklist for varieties to look for. Identifying and confirming individual coins is easily done with a bright light and a plain old fashioned magnifying glass. To check RPMs, DDs, and other varieties, I use a 10x loupe. Nothing fancy. If you have to analyze the coin under a microscope beyond 10x than the variety is so obscure that it wouldn't command a premium anyway or your eyesight is failing.

For those that are interested in a USB Microscope, the Intel Play Qx3 is ideal. It is geared towards kids, but there is no compromise on the quality. It can be found on eBay for $30 or less.

 

[mts]

I've been wanting to get a USB microscope myself. I'll have to check out the Intel Qx3. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Diver_Down]

I've been wanting to get a USB microscope myself. I'll have to check out the Intel Qx3. Thanks for the tip.

I just did a quick ebay search and found the following : http://www.ebay.com/itm/INTEL-PLAY-...787?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20c1342233

The software can be downloaded from intel's site (I think).

The unit doesn't look professional, but it is solid and was designed to appeal to kids.

 

[mts]

Well I checked out the Qx3. It is a fairly old unit and apparently the software is from the olden days (2002). It sounds great hardware wise but if they can't update the software to modern times then that is a deal breaker for me.

 

[jarlbartar]

I set aside key error dates when I am doing my big sort to check at a later time with the loupe. I just bought a 16 x and can tell with pretty good certainty if a coin is double died or not. Have not found any yet, but I am bound to sooner or later!

 

[Diver_Down]

I just bought a 16 x and can tell with pretty good certainty if a coin
is double died or not.

^^^^Are you kidding me?

 

[jarlbartar]

I just bought a 16 x and can tell with pretty good certainty if a coin
is double died or not.

^^^^Are you kidding me?

About what? I only look for the strong double dies on the 2009 cents and for the wide AM on the 98, 99 & 00 cents. Found a wide 98 just a few minutes ago!

 

[Diver_Down]

I just bought a 16 x and can tell with pretty good certainty if a coin
is double died or not.

^^^^Are you kidding me?

About what? I only look for the strong double dies on the 2009 cents and for the wide AM on the 98, 99 & 00 cents. Found a wide 98 just a few minutes ago!

For one, it isn't a double dies or double died. It is a doubled die.