3x or 30x?

[moneyhoney]

Just read an interesting article about DD and magnification. They author made a comment that anything over 3x should not be considered as double dies. He complaint was in regards to a Lincoln 2004P DD magnified to the 30th power. In some instances he stated these coins are being sold for as much as $450. What say you guys? Just asking a question in case there is criticism about my post.

[DaveG]

Collectors who are really into doubled dies will look at them through very high-powered magnification.

 

Collectors who are not really into doubled dies say that anything that can't be seen with the naked eye (that is, something you need 20x to see) isn't worth getting excited about and/or paying a premium for.

 

It all depends on what interests you.

[moneyhoney]

That's a good point Dave. So far, that seems to be a good assessment. However, I am just starting so I cant say for sure. It does seems just about right. "It does depends on what interests a person". Thanks for responding..

[messydesk]

I use a 7-30X microscope to examine coins. Doubled dies need to be easily visible at 7x magnification or less in order to be interesting enough to collectors for there to be any demand for them.

[rmpsrpms]

I use 10x as my threshold, but the principle is the same. If you need a microscope to see a variety, it may be of interest to specialists but not to a wider audience.

[moneyhoney]

There is one DD Lincoln cent with "double knees". I think it's 2004P but, I am not sure. I just happen to read about it. It's supposed to be visible to the "naked eye". I only have a 6x loupe and I also use my scanner for magnification. I don't know if the coins is that valuable or not. Now, I understand collecting a lot better but, it took me a while to grasp it. Newman is strictly into collecting and selling and I don't think he is that interested in double dies.

[CoinZip]

I'm in the crowd that uses magnification, without it I can not even read the dates......

 

[cpm9ball]

I use my stereomicroscope to confirm certain varieties because my vision is not as good as it used to be. I also use the photo capability of my stereomicroscope to post these photos in various threads, because if I didn't, no one would be able to see them.

 

Chris

 

[19Lyds]

I use my stereo microscope for light control as getting enough light in order to accurately view some varieties can be quite challenging with a hand held loupe. (10x to 30x)

 

It also reduces eye strain while trying to focus in on certain die varieties and the accompanying headaches due to that strain.

 

DaveG summed it up rather nicely in that some folks simply do not care to figure it out and understand that there are collectors out there which are interested in the variations which can occur during die manufacturing.

 

 

[moneyhoney]

What power of magnification is your stereomicroscope? You have a point about posting photos that other are not able to see. I have that problem and I thought a digital camera would do just as well. I don't know for sure but, I do see those DDs and repunched or overpunched..beautiful and clear photos

[moneyhoney]

You are right...the higher magnification produces better photos. On the other hand there is photo bucket and paint net....isn't that a big help? Unfortunately I still have problems with both websites...

[BillJones]

If I cannot see it with my near sighted naked eyes, I don't want it.

[WoodenJefferson]

If I cannot see it with my near sighted naked eyes, I don't want it.

 

Funny thing with me, without looking through the bi-focal part of my glasses, every coin I look at is a doubled die. If you can't readily see doubling with a 10X loupe it's not worth the premium.

[cpm9ball]

What power of magnification is your stereomicroscope? You have a point about posting photos that other are not able to see. I have that problem and I thought a digital camera would do just as well. I don't know for sure but, I do see those DDs and repunched or overpunched..beautiful and clear photos

 

My scope incorporates variable power through the use of a zoom rather than fixed focal lengths. Unlike the newer digital microscopes, it does not give me a reading of the magnification used. I just use whatever enlargement best captures what I want to show.

 

Most of the new cameras are digital these days, but unless you have a macro lens or a super macro capability built into the camera plus imaging software of some kind to process your photos, you'll probably find that your results won't be much better than what you have already attempted to post.

 

Chris

[moneyhoney]

A few responses agree with what you said. One instance is the Lincoln cent with double knees...It's very hard to see however, it has been said that it can be seen with the naked eye. I am not sure about that especially myself

[moneyhoney]

Okay, I will make a note of that...sounds like I might need a very expensive digital camera...have to do research on cameras

[moneyhoney]

I understand that too...just not worth it, is it?

[19Lyds]

You are right...the higher magnification produces better photos. On the other hand there is photo bucket and paint net....isn't that a big help? Unfortunately I still have problems with both websites...

Photobucket has turned into StupidBucket so don't waste your time with them.

 

My scope is 10x and 30x as noted in my post.

 

P.S. Would you please "quote" the post which you are replying to?

[19Lyds]

If I cannot see it with my near sighted naked eyes, I don't want it.

I'm sure that as you get older and older, the fewer coins you will want then.

[moneyhoney]

...I been checking out digital cameras...very complicated. Is it possible to buy a camera and then purchase a lens with higher magnification separately? The macro digital camera is out of my budget...no, I cant give it up, not yet

[19Lyds]

If I cannot see it with my near sighted naked eyes, I don't want it.

 

Funny thing with me, without looking through the bi-focal part of my glasses, every coin I look at is a doubled die. If you can't readily see doubling with a 10X loupe it's not worth the premium.

There is absolutely no magnification difference between a 10x Loupe and a 10x Stero Microscope. The advantage of the scope is with lighting control.

[moneyhoney]

Chris, are you saying I can purchase a camera and a zoom lens separately? I asked the question in a previous post...

[moneyhoney]

That information about loupes is a big help. Now, my other concern is the camera. I am thinking I must have a digital camera to make my photos clearer. I appreciate the info about camera because I have searched and searched and it's still confusing. So, I need a digital camera with a lens of at least a 10x so all the details in a coin can be seen. I hope I didn't confuse you. With black Friday sales going on, I might can find something

[cpm9ball]

Chris, are you saying I can purchase a camera and a zoom lens separately? I asked the question in a previous post...

 

Well, yes, you can, but you don't need a zoom lens. You want a macro lens or at least a camera with a built-in super macro function. A macro lens can be purchased if the camera body is made for interchangeable lenses. Some cameras are made with a fixed lens, and these will often have zoom capability in addition to a super macro function.

 

Where a microscope is concerned, many have a choice of three fixed magnifications such as [10x, 20x, 40x] or [10x, 40x, 80x]. There are many variations. My microscope does not have fixed magnifications. It is one single lens with zoom capability to increase or decrease magnification.

 

Chris

[cpm9ball]

That information about loupes is a big help. Now, my other concern is the camera. I am thinking I must have a digital camera to make my photos clearer. I appreciate the info about camera because I have searched and searched and it's still confusing. So, I need a digital camera with a lens of at least a 10x so all the details in a coin can be seen. I hope I didn't confuse you. With black Friday sales going on, I might can find something

 

A digital camera won't guarantee that your photos will be clearer if you don't have a copy stand or tripod.

 

Chris

[moneyhoney]

Thanks Chris, I been reading up on digital cameras. I got behind in that technology because so many new ones were coming out and I promised myself that I wasn't going to get any of that "stuff" except a computer and I stopped right there. now I am behind....I still don't want to jump on board with "all" the new technology. I don't have a cell phone and didn't want one but they are very good when away from home or in emergencies. I am stuck in time capsule...

[moneyhoney]

okay, I understand and thank you. I thought all the answers were in the imagining software like paint net, etc. I thought all I had to do was scan the photo to my scanner, save it, go to paint net, open it, and edit it. I have to resize it large enough to see all the details but all I got was pixels, (I THINK IT"S CALL interpolation, or something like that) and that messes up the images. Thanks for the info

[cpm9ball]

Thanks Chris, I been reading up on digital cameras. I got behind in that technology because so many new ones were coming out and I promised myself that I wasn't going to get any of that "stuff" except a computer and I stopped right there. now I am behind....I still don't want to jump on board with "all" the new technology. I don't have a cell phone and didn't want one but they are very good when away from home or in emergencies. I am stuck in time capsule...

 

The one thing that computers, cameras & cell phones have in common is built-in obsolescence. You will never be able to stay ahead of the game.

 

My last computer was custom-built and was equipped to handle all of the latest technology without the necessity of a complete rebuild. I had it for more than 10 years, but when the graphics card finally died, it was cheaper to buy a new machine than replace the old parts.

 

At one point, I opted for one of the new touch screen cell phones but quickly learned that I hated it. The screen for the internet was so small that I couldn't read anything. I'm all thumbs, so trying to move from screen to screen was impossible. I don't want to have to carry "accessories" around just so I can use it. I finally went back to a no-frills cell phone with no camera, no speaker, etc. because as rarely as I use it, I don't need that junk.

 

Cameras are pretty much the same. I guarantee you that if you buy any one of the current magazines touting the latest technologies, those technologies will be out-of-date within a year.

 

Chris

[johnny9434]

ill sick with the 10x for now. (yes, i do have a 30x as well for good measure)

[moneyhoney]

Chris,

 

I agree with you. I stay away from magazines and do a lot of research on computer about digital camera....still reading