A scale for weighing coins

coinkat

I have never owned one or bought one. Any recommendations on type, manufactures and what can I expect to pay? Thanks in advance for any comments...

Preussen

This works pretty well for an inexpensive scale. - Preussen

GDJMSP

It is best to get a scale with an accuracy to within 0.01 grams. You can take your pick from here - Coin Scales

pendragon1998

As far as scales go, there are two issues: accuracy and precision. Accuracy is how close you get to the actual value of what you're measuring. Precision is how close your multiple measurements center around the whatever value you're determining.

For example: you are weighing something that you know is 10.0 grams. If your five measurements are 9.9, 10.0, 10.1, 10.0, 10.0 then you're both accurate and (pretty) precise. If you get something like 11.0, 11.1, 11.0, 11.0, 10.9, then you're not very accurate, but you are precise (i.e. consistent). If you get 5.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 15.0, then you're accurate (averages to 10.0), but not precise. If you get 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 19.1, and 13.5 you're neither accurate or precise.

When buying a scale, you want accuracy and precision. Particularly for coins, you want a scale that gives you both accuracy and precision, and at both low and high masses. Some cheaper scales will give you a different measurement of weight based on where on the tray (i.e. corners vs. center) you place the object to be weighed. Those sort of scales should be avoided, but even some of the higher-priced scales will have that problem, so test it before you're committed to keeping it.

Always be sure your scale is on a level surface free from breezes (particularly important for a highly sensitive balance). Also be sure you've properly tared it (calibrated it so that zero represents the balance in its empty state or with an empty weigh boat on it).

And remember - measure twice, cut once (or for coins: measure several times, average, and decide whether it's real)

coinpictures

I posted this in response to a similar thread on the lightside:



<< <i>One more thing: this one measures within .001 grams, which is crucial for determining counterfeit coins. I found my first counterfeit this week, unfortunately >>



Actually the scale you linked to above measured to 0.1 g, not .001 g... off by 2 decimal places.

For coins, you want one that goes to .01 g (hundredth of a gram) if possible.

I originally had purchased the first one below, but after a while the .05g accuracy got annoying, plus I found it to get a bit wonky and not calibrate consistently.




About 3 months ago, I purchased this one, accurate to .01g. Lower maximum weight, so it's not good for weighing stacks of coins, but for single coins it's great. Runs $40-50.

cacheman

I use this one....

coinkat

Mr. Ed the talking numismatist... Wwwwwiiiiiiiilbbbbbbbeeeeerrrrr

1960NYGiants

<< <i>This works pretty well for an inexpensive scale. - Preussen >>



I use the MX-200, which is 0.1g readings and 200g max. Got it for about $10. The MX-300 looks to be much better. Edit to add: just re-read the link, it too only measures to 0.1g. It only has 100g more capacity. So not sure if it is better.

I use a Sunbeam SP5 that has 1g increments with a max of 2.2kg (5 lbs) for heavier stuff.

Man

I bought a Digiweigh it has 0.01g accuracy I blogged all about it here LINK

I still like it and it works very well.

coinkat

Thanks for all the responses. I plan to buy one within the next 30days