Error collectors

Paul Abair wrote:
I am curious do many error collectors use a microscope over just a loop? I
am told a 20 times stereo microscope
is a good choice, I would welcome opinions.

Thanks





A rule of thumb held by many is that if you can't see it with 5X-10X
magnification it's not worth worrying about. I use a Bausch and Lomb 10X
hastings triplet almost exclusively for checking out Morgan dollar
varieties.

HTH,
Mark

I high quality glass is very important tool in this hobby. I use mainly a 10x
but I also have a 20x Bauch and Lomb. They cost about $40 each.

Gary Lewis

Subject: Error collectors
From: "Paul Abair"

I am curious do many error collectors use a microscope over just a loop? I
am told a 20 times stereo microscope
is a good choice, I would welcome opinions.

While I generally use a 10X hand lens (hastings triplet is preferred), I find a
microscope invaluable in certain situations, such as distinguishing struck
counterfeits from the genuine article. A microscope is essential for
identifying subtle diagnostics which distinguish one error from another. For
example, if you think you have an object that was rolled-in or struck into a
coin, you'll want to see the tell-tale fissure that almost always accompanies
such an error. The fissure might be so narrow that it can only be seen under a
microscope.

If you can afford it, get a good stereozoom microscope (7X - 35X), preferably
with a third ocular for mounting a camera.


Host: Error Coin Information Exchange (Yahoo:Groups); CONECA #2969.
Opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

i use the end off of an old scope on my shotgun.i would say its between 30
and 40X.works great and its a nice fit in my hands




"Paul Abair" wrote in message
...
I am curious do many error collectors use a microscope over just a loop? I
am told a 20 times stereo microscope
is a good choice, I would welcome opinions.

Thanks

From: mark

Paul Abair wrote:
do many error collectors use a microscope over just a loop?

A rule of thumb held by many is that if you can't see it with 5X-10X
magnification it's not worth worrying about.

The problem with "rules of thumbs" is that there are exceptions. I personally
would want to use my microscope to double check, for example, the likes of a
1909 S Cent for it's VDB, a 1916 Dime for it's "D", and the 1942 Dimes for the
under-1, especially if the coin was well circulated.

I don't always see that well with a loupe, something hand-held, as in
comparison to something stable, such as a microscope. And on that note, the
microscope I use is an old one, bought at a Goodwill for $5.oo, from an old
chemestry set, I suppose. I angle in the light.

8-/
Coin Saver