Best coin Loupe?

[atarian]

I have a 16x and it doesnt let me see what my B&L microscope can at a low power. How much higher than 16x do i need to go to see double dies and double struck mint marks.

[JeanK]

Does your 16X loupe have a really small lens? Say, under 19mm across? If so, then your field of view is probably greatly reduced from your microscope's view. I have an H.E. Harris 16X loupe that has a 19mm width lens and even it does not have a nice wide view of the coin. When I want to really see the rpm or doubled die I turn to my QX5 microscope for a proper look.
Jean

[atarian]

you have the same loupe i have HE harris 16x. I cant see anything good on the fly. I would love to pick up a DDO RPM on the go.

[duck620]

I use a 10x & a 16x with a wide lens.These two loupes show dd's very well.

KEN.

[atarian]

any link to what it looks like so i can consider buying one?

[JeanK]

I have a hybrid triplet that when one tapes them together give me a great field of view. But, I tried to find the same odd-ball set of magnifiers which I had discovered on ebay a long time ago, but no luck.
There are some 30X listings which state they have a 19-20mm view. I have not ordered one, but if they are 30X it might be a good idea.
If you go to ebay you can type in 'magnifying glass' and you will get several thousand choices. I guess it is worth a try.
Jean

[jcuve]

You can see many DDs and RPMs with 7x-10x, it just takes practice. Having a 15x-20x on hand for lose ups helps too. Nothing beats a microscope, but you cannot have that on the go.

[atarian]

i havent found a way to pack a microscope on the go, every time i try i get an eye piece in an unpleasant place.

[jcuve]

I forgot, I used to use a pocket-scope from Radio-shack - it was small, and it had a 60x-100x lens. It was helpful for clarification on minor DDs and RPMs. I think it was like $10...

[atarian]

hmm now that is something. Im gonna run to RS tonight and see if they have that. does it come with a light or do i have to rig my mini LED light to it

[jcuve]

It has a little light with it. A small bulb, not LED. I recall it burning out after about 18 months of use and buying a new one...

This is it: http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2179604

[DCW]

The radio shack scope is ok, not great. But its under $20, so not a bad pickup. I dont like flipping the coin upside down to view it in normal position, but agian it is cheap.
I think the best loupes out there are made by eschenbach. 3+6=9 achromat is the overall favorite last time I checked, but it will run you about $150.
I have a hastings B&L triplet that I keep on my keychain. It is 20x, and will let you see the smallest of doubling and rpms. The field of view is limiting, though. I believe it is a 17mm, or perhaps smaller. It is overall very good and will cost somewhere around $30.
Just remember that the higher the magnification, the smaller the lense will be. Good luck!

[eaxtellcoin]

Zeiss/Germany Makes the best D36 24/12 there is, also costs $100+.... I have an Idea for everyone, go to a gun show. I know what your thinking guns? coins? most guns shows sell cleaning supplies, which means a loop for those small trigger screws/bolts. I bought a nice 30X- 21mm here in Belleville IL for less than $10.00 I take it to all the shows and use the Ziess at home.

[corroded]

I have a a 10X 18mm elcheapo. I have a 20X Bausch & Lombs Hastings expensive,
I have an Episcope 5X thru 20X from Haversfield (or some name like that), it even
turns into a small telescope and the whole thing is only 2" long, but real optic glass
and was 60.00. It's am amazing little dude. I had 16X like y'all talked of, but they
to me are next to worthless because they can't get the light, that we need to use,
gathered up. I have bought many HE Harris loupes 10X and given them away to many up and coming collectors just to see their little faces light up with glee. Some
I have had distorted the images, they were so cheap. Never leave home without your loupe! Handy at estate auctions, yard sales, whenever there is need to see small writing. Keep one in the car.

[mikediamond]

Every book recommends a Hastings triplet lens. 10X for normal inspections, although you'll need to buy a second, stronger magnification for finding the subtle defects that seem to excite many variety collectors. I find that a Coddington lens also works well.