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Magnification?

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.

image

Comments

  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭
    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
  • ttownttown Posts: 4,472 ✭✭✭
    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 backimage
  • ttownttown Posts: 4,472 ✭✭✭
    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
  • stmanstman Posts: 11,352 ✭✭✭✭✭
    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.
    Please... Save The Stories, Just Answer My Questions, And Tell Me How Much!!!!!
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


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



    Yes, but my answer is the correct one. image

    Russ, NCNE
  • 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?

    image
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


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



    Most of the time, naked eye.

    Russ, NCNE
  • gripgrip Posts: 9,962 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I use a 3X to find the coin,and an 8X to grade it.Most all your good graders are near sighted.
    Al
  • 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?

    image
  • stmanstman Posts: 11,352 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

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



    Yes, but my answer is the correct one. image

    Russ, NCNE >>



    And mine is wrong?image
    Please... Save The Stories, Just Answer My Questions, And Tell Me How Much!!!!!
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i><< 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. image

    Russ, NCNE
  • stmanstman Posts: 11,352 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i><< 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. image

    Russ, NCNE >>



    Disagree!image
    Please... Save The Stories, Just Answer My Questions, And Tell Me How Much!!!!!
  • fivecentsfivecents Posts: 11,207 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I use a video camera lens...yes a video camera lens.image
    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.
  • You mean like an old VCR Camera lens?

    What does micro grade with a small loop mean?

    Thanks for your help.
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i>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
  • 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. image

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