Magnification?

Betbigger · October 30, 2005 3:00AM

What is the best way to magnify coins using a PC - CCD Camera set up, or other? Looking for tips, I want to start sending coins in for grading, but make sure they have a good chance for high grades.

Russ · October 30, 2005 3:02AM

Learn to grade with little or no magnification. View the coin with the naked eye first to establish a "first impression" grade, then scrutinize more closely. If you find nothing that changes that first impression, you have your grade.

For regular grading, a 5x loupe is sufficient, for varieties perhaps a 10x.

Russ, NCNE

ttown · October 30, 2005 3:06AM

Funny how dealer never can find a glass when your buying but if your selling it never fails that after the initial inspection they seem to have one set back

ttown · October 30, 2005 3:17AM

BTW I might add that although learning to grade is great but most smart dealers that's been in business for 30 or 40 years know their eye sight isn't as good as it was in their 20's and 30's. You can buy the plastic but I perfer to at least have my reading glasses on when judging a coins for 100's of dollars. A $50 coin I can wing it if needed. JMO

stman · October 30, 2005 3:26AM

You can get a 100 different answers. Here is my short answer.... everybody's eye-sight is different. Use whatever is necessary
to feel comfortable with your evaluation of the coin.

Russ · October 30, 2005 3:33AM

<< You can get a 100 different answers. >>

Yes, but my answer is the correct one.

Russ, NCNE

Betbigger · October 30, 2005 3:56AM

Thanks Everyone!

My eyes are hurting, so I need the help of magnification. I see some of the pictures on this web site, and they're magnified and clear.

What do the graders at PCGS use?

Russ · October 30, 2005 4:00AM

<< What do the graders at PCGS use? >>

Most of the time, naked eye.

Russ, NCNE

grip · October 30, 2005 4:07AM

I use a 3X to find the coin,and an 8X to grade it.Most all your good graders are near sighted.
Al

Betbigger · October 30, 2005 4:25AM

Great Info,

For those who say none, are hardly any magnification. Are you afraid you might undergrade or throw out a coin that would pass the naked eye test?

stman · October 30, 2005 5:05AM

<< 

<< You can get a 100 different answers. >>

Yes, but my answer is the correct one.

Russ, NCNE >>

And mine is wrong?

Russ · October 30, 2005 5:06AM

<< << You can get a 100 different answers. >>

Yes, but my answer is the correct one.

Russ, NCNE >>

And mine is wrong? >>

No, just less correct.

Russ, NCNE

stman · October 30, 2005 5:09AM

<< 

<< << You can get a 100 different answers. >>

Yes, but my answer is the correct one.

Russ, NCNE >>

And mine is wrong? >>

No, just less correct.

Russ, NCNE >>

Disagree!

Betbigger · October 31, 2005 9:14AM

ttt

fivecents · October 31, 2005 9:25AM

I use a video camera lens...yes a video camera lens.

Go to your local thrift store and by a (broken) video camera. They usually cost $7 - $16 dollars. It takes about 15 minutes to remove the lens from the camera. The lens works best if it has a diameter of at least 1 1/2 to 2 inches. I tend to micro grade with a small loop.

Betbigger · October 31, 2005 11:21AM

You mean like an old VCR Camera lens?

What does micro grade with a small loop mean?

Thanks for your help.

Russ · October 31, 2005 11:24AM

<< I use a video camera lens...yes a video camera lens. >>

I'd laugh at that, except for the fact that I know you're a damned good grader.

Russ, NCNE

buffnut · October 31, 2005 11:26AM

I use the braile method of grading- I paw my way around the coin to see if all of the right bumps are there. If it feels right, I buy it. I recommend using this method after eating some greasy french fries, as this extra lubrication aides in the grading process.

Magnification?

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