What type of light do you use to grade coins?

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Insider2
Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited December 6, 2019 11:58AM in U.S. Coin Forum

The light you use is very important when examining a coin. IMO, with a good set of eyes, the lighting is even more important than magnification! I like to tell my students that a high power microscope is useless in a dark room. So what type of light do you use for grading?

What type of light do you use to grade coins?

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  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 6, 2019 12:00PM
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    @291fifth said:
    Buying or selling? >:)

    That's a great point! Since we often cannot control the light when buying a coin, what do you us at home/office?

  • PerryHall
    PerryHall Posts: 47,752 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Both Fluorescent & Incandescent.

    Fluorescent of authentication and finding wear and incandescent for finding hairlines and for grading.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • ctf_error_coins
    ctf_error_coins Posts: 15,433 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Where's the flashlight option?

  • ffcoins
    ffcoins Posts: 522 ✭✭✭
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    I hope after the poll ends we get some photos showing different views of issues (pvc, hairlines, etc.) under both fluorescent and incandescent… :wink:

  • jedm
    jedm Posts: 3,266 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Halogen.

    I chose halogen, but sunlight if it's available is preferred.

  • PerryHall
    PerryHall Posts: 47,752 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Both Fluorescent & Incandescent.

    What about a UV light to spot putty?

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • Jimnight
    Jimnight Posts: 10,846 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Sunlight.

    Sunlight is the best I can do.... seems to work well for me.

  • Baley
    Baley Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Ambient light.
    Grading is easy.

    For pricing, all of the above.
    Pricing is hard.

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

  • johnny9434
    johnny9434 Posts: 34,054 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Both Fluorescent & Incandescent.

    These 2 work for me

  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @PerryHall said:
    Fluorescent of authentication and finding wear and incandescent for finding hairlines and for grading.

    I agree. Just very curious. Where did you learn this?? Trial & error or...

  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @ErrorsOnCoins said:
    Where's the flashlight option?

    It is under OTHER!

  • kaz
    kaz Posts: 9,378 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Other.

    Other: LED (like the flashlight) or halogen. These reveal light wear and marks better than other lights, in my opinion. The thing is they can make coins look a lot worse than they actually are due to their "harshness." I think a good compromise is flourescent or incandescent in the background and the point source light up close.

  • crazyhounddog
    crazyhounddog Posts: 14,250 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Fluorescent.

    Not offered in your poll. I use daylight Florissant curly bulbs. They tell the story for me.

    The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
  • Twobitcollector
    Twobitcollector Posts: 4,750 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Incandescent 75W to 100W.

    I use a 150 watt GE reveal lamp with a dimmer

    Positive BST Transactions with:
    INYNWHWeTrust-TexasNationals,ajaan,blu62vette
    coinJP, Outhaul ,illini420,MICHAELDIXON, Fade to Black,epcjimi1,19Lyds,SNMAN,JerseyJoe, bigjpst, DMWJR , lordmarcovan, Weiss,Mfriday4962,UtahCoin,Downtown1974,pitboss,RichieURich,Bullsitter,JDsCoins,toyz4geo,jshaulis, mustanggt, SNMAN, MWallace, ms71, lordmarcovan,JWP,dantheman984,olah_in_MA,USMC_6115
  • jwitten
    jwitten Posts: 5,417 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Incandescent 75W to 100W.

    Daylight is the WORST for me. When I get a coin in the mail at the PO Box I really really have been looking forward to getting, it's hard to wait to get home to take a peak. I know if I open it in my car I will be disappointed though, as the lighting is always terrible.

  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @jwitten said:
    Daylight is the WORST for me. When I get a coin in the mail at the PO Box I really really have been looking forward to getting, it's hard to wait to get home to take a peak. I know if I open it in my car I will be disappointed though, as the lighting is always terrible.

    Serious opinion. I don't think the light in your car would have much effect on brown gold coins. They should look pretty as the brightness will bring out the gold luster between the brown splotches.

  • PerryHall
    PerryHall Posts: 47,752 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Both Fluorescent & Incandescent.

    @Insider2 said:

    @PerryHall said:
    Fluorescent of authentication and finding wear and incandescent for finding hairlines and for grading.

    I agree. Just very curious. Where did you learn this?? Trial & error or...

    Trial and error. Fluorescent is best for microscopic examination of the fine details on a coin since there is no flash or bright reflections like you get from a halogen or incandescent light. An incandescent or halogen light is best for finding hairline scratches from an old cleaning or light circulation.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • Kove
    Kove Posts: 2,057 ✭✭✭✭
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    Incandescent 75W to 100W.

    No option for both incandescent and halogen so I picked incandescent. First pass is usually incandescent. But if it's an expensive coin I'll also use halogen to pick up any hairlines missed under the incandescent. I have a portable halogen I used to take to shows.

    However, if I used a halogen light on everything, I might never buy a coin.

  • BryceM
    BryceM Posts: 11,940 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Halogen.

    I usually use halogen at home, since my photo lamps are right next to my computer. I have quick access to fluorescent and incandescent though and I use them often.

    Bourse lighting has gotten me into trouble more than once.

  • Fairlaneman
    Fairlaneman Posts: 10,428 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    2 of these in a otherwise dark room.
    .

    Ken

  • Walkerfan
    Walkerfan Posts: 10,391 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Halogen.

    Only HALOGEN will reveal tiny hairline scratches and COUNTING WHEEL marks.

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

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  • blitzdude
    blitzdude Posts: 7,723 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Other.

    The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.
    BOOMIN!™
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  • AUandAG
    AUandAG Posts: 25,050 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Other.

    I voted other. I don't grade coins, I let PCGS do that for me.

    bob :)

    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
  • jwitten
    jwitten Posts: 5,417 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Incandescent 75W to 100W.

    @Insider2 said:

    @jwitten said:
    Daylight is the WORST for me. When I get a coin in the mail at the PO Box I really really have been looking forward to getting, it's hard to wait to get home to take a peak. I know if I open it in my car I will be disappointed though, as the lighting is always terrible.

    Serious opinion. I don't think the light in your car would have much effect on brown gold coins. They should look pretty as the brightness will bring out the gold luster between the brown splotches.

    Lol. I think you over-estimate how often I find toned gold. 99.5% of what I buy is normal gold. And sun light is just too harsh. Can't see luster, etc very well.

  • Namvet69
    Namvet69 Posts: 9,423 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Other.

    Depends on where I am and what I'm examining. My wife's Ott light sometimes, indirect sunlight, LED microscope, it's all good cause I never look just once. Peace Roy

    BST: endeavor1967, synchr, kliao, Outhaul, Donttellthewife, U1Chicago, ajaan, mCarney1173, SurfinHi, MWallace, Sandman70gt, mustanggt, Pittstate03, Lazybones, Walkerguy21D, coinandcurrency242 , thebigeng, Collectorcoins, JimTyler, USMarine6, Elkevvo, Coll3ctor, Yorkshireman, CUKevin, ranshdow, CoinHunter4, bennybravo, Centsearcher, braddick, Windycity, ZoidMeister, mirabela, JJM, RichURich, Bullsitter, jmski52, LukeMarshall, coinsarefun, MichaelDixon, NickPatton, ProfLiz, Twobitcollector,Jesbroken oih82w8, DCW

  • CollectorBonEZ
    CollectorBonEZ Posts: 374 ✭✭✭✭
    edited December 6, 2019 7:04PM
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    Other.

    I use multiple types of light when examining my coins. Fluorescent, incandescent, daylight, and LED in different wattage ranges one at a time and then in combinations to see as many details as possible. I have even used UV lights.

    https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/mysetregistry/showcase/6602

  • Broadstruck
    Broadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Halogen.

    I've been using the same desktop halogen grading lamp since the 1980's.

    I also use halogen lighting for all coin photography.

    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 6, 2019 7:20PM
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    @Walkerfan said:
    Only HALOGEN will reveal tiny hairline scratches and COUNTING WHEEL marks.

    Bets?

  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Broadstruck said: "I've been using the same desktop halogen grading lamp since the 1980's."

    I've got one for you...I worked at the ANA's Certification Service in DC. I had a florescent lamp to use for authentication. I cut a crescent out of the shade so the barrel of the scope would be closer to the light. Not my idea as this was the setup used at the Mint lab in DC.

    That authentication service moved to CO. Later it was sold a few times and moved around.

    Imagine the shock I got when I joined my present employer and the lamp on my desk was my old lamp :'( from FORTY_SEVEN YEARS AGO! When it went to CO in the 1970's it got a property tag label that I'm leaving on it just for grins. :)
    I got the last laugh on those suckers. :p

  • bsshog40
    bsshog40 Posts: 4,037 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Other.

    I use OTT lights.

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  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @bsshog40 said:
    I use OTT lights.

    They travel well.

  • Broadstruck
    Broadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Halogen.

    @Insider2 said:

    @Walkerfan said:
    Only HALOGEN will reveal tiny hairline scratches and COUNTING WHEEL marks.

    Bets?

    Halogen will rip a coin apart and show any abnorma> @Fairlaneman said:

    2 of these in a otherwise dark room.
    .

    Ken

    They grow mushrooms the same way ;)

    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • emeraldATV
    emeraldATV Posts: 5,249 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @blitzdude said:
    Does that come with a set of golf clubs ?

    Lighting is incorporated into my lens.
    I think its LED.
    Kinda a pain in the butt at times.
    Thank God for the tilt which counter acts problem lighting

  • JohnnyCache
    JohnnyCache Posts: 1,920 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Other.

    CREE XM-L2 U4 LED

  • ricko
    ricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Incandescent 75W to 100W.

    I mainly use incandescent...or sunlight on good days in the morning. (That is when the sunlight comes directly in the window where I sit). Often I enhance the incandescent with an LED flashlight that I can move around the coin while viewing (either with or without magnification). Cheers, RickO

  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Broadstruck said:

    @Insider2 said:

    @Walkerfan said:

    >
    Bets?

    Halogen will rip a coin apart and show any abnorma> @Fairlaneman said:

    2 of these in a otherwise dark room.
    .

    Ken

    They grow mushrooms the same way ;)

    I will remind you of your post: "ONLY HALOGEN will reveal tiny hairline scratches and COUNTING WHEEL marks."

    this is ONLY nonsense because other lighting works too. More important than the lighting is the skill or experience of the examiner. B) Without that, a halogen light is very helpful. :) I don't go near halogen light EXCEPT for dual light pipes used to examine a mintmark (once or twice a year) at powers over 60X.

  • Walkerfan
    Walkerfan Posts: 10,391 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Halogen.

    @Insider2 said:

    @Broadstruck said:

    @Insider2 said:

    @Walkerfan said:

    >
    Bets?

    Halogen will rip a coin apart and show any abnorma> @Fairlaneman said:

    2 of these in a otherwise dark room.
    .

    Ken

    They grow mushrooms the same way ;)

    I will remind you of your post: "ONLY HALOGEN will reveal tiny hairline scratches and COUNTING WHEEL marks."

    this is ONLY nonsense because other lighting works too. More important than the lighting is the skill or experience of the examiner. B) Without that, a halogen light is very helpful. :) I don't go near halogen light EXCEPT for dual light pipes used to examine a mintmark (once or twice a year) at powers over 60X.

    I don't know what to say, other than halogen works best for me.

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • Broadstruck
    Broadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 9, 2019 8:37AM
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    Halogen.

    Halogen is the only light source that would never be used in a women's clothes fitting room as it will show things that can't be unseen.

    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • astrorat
    astrorat Posts: 9,221 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Other.

    Incandescent and LED 5000K

    Numismatist Ordinaire
    See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
  • stman
    stman Posts: 11,352 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Although good light is important. And I think whatever kind works for each individual, knowing what one is looking at and tilting the coin at various angles is very important imo.

    Please... Save The Stories, Just Answer My Questions, And Tell Me How Much!!!!!
  • CCGGG
    CCGGG Posts: 1,267 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Honestly, whatever is available... My eyes just aren't that good anymore.

  • asheland
    asheland Posts: 24,545 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 9, 2019 2:40PM
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    Other.

    I have a light at my desk with a small bulb that's clear glass. It makes for some great coin pictures. 40W I believe

    My YouTube Channel

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