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Tools of a Numismatist
At a minimum, collectors should have a
magnifier and an applicable reference book, though someone collecting only
coins from circulation may be able to get by without them. A comfortable
location with a suitable light source for examining coins is also
advisable.
All sorts of magnifiers are available. For
grading, 4X-10X magnification is sufficient, with 7X magnification
considered by many to be ideal. Collectors of die varieties need 10X
magnification or more.
Anyone purchasing coins should own at least
one general reference book with information on dates and mintmarks, major
varieties, grading guidelines and prices. Additional references examining
topics in more detail (e.g. grading, counterfeit detection or die
varieties) are often useful. Periodicals will have more recent pricing
information and news. Good reference material can pay for themselves
several times over by helping you avoid bad decisions.
Recommended lighting for examining coins is
an incandescent source of about 75 watts (higher if other light sources
are in the room) located within half a meter of where you'll hold the
coins. Some people prefer halogen lamps, while fluorescent lights should
be avoided. Find a comfortable location in your home where you won't be
frequently distracted.
Depending on the collector's interests and
value of the collectibles, other useful tools sometimes include a
microscope, gloves, mask, velvet pad, additional references, metal
detector, scale and/or photographic equipment.
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