What magnifying power should I get?

This weekend at the VA State Coin Show I was asked a question that I get all the time - what is the optimal magnification power for looking at coins?  It depends...

Don't let any dealer, any association or any salesperson tell you that there is.  It truly depends on what coins you collect, the types of those coins, the current state of your eyes and whether you wear prescription glasses.  It is truly a personal decision that you ideally should make based on comparing different types of magnifying glasses simultaneously.

Most coin collectors prefer using coin loupes.  And the standard is a 10x loupe that most people use.  But there are many who prefer other styles of magnifiers such as:  magnifying glasses, stand magnifiers, handheld magnifiers, linen testers, and now we even have electronic magnifiers which can be displayed on their own screen or your computer.  Stamp collectors and currency collectors really prefer the stand magnifiers as it allows them to see the entire item at once.

Once you determine the style of magnifier you like, the actual level of magnification power required is typically much more dependent on the type of coin or other collectible you collect.  If you are focused on smaller coins in general, then some form of 10x power loupe is usually preferred.  But if you like Morgans or Silver Eagles, many times a 5x loupe or 7x loupe is better for you as it allows you to see more of the coin at once.

The bottom line is, before you spend your money, spend some time understanding your options.  Stop by and visit us at one of our upcoming shows.  I am more than happy to spend the time with you helping you find your optimal solution.

Coin Proof Sets - now what do I do with them?

I was recently asked "Should I keep my US Mint Proof Set in its original packaging and store it that way or should I take the coins out and store them individually in coin albums or coin cases?"  I am asked this question on the phone or at coin shows because so many people wonder about this.

Although coins kept in their original packaging from the US Mint may appeal to some collectors, most features of the packaging are not conducive to keeping the coins looking their best for the long term.  Proof sets of the 1930's and 1940's were originally packaged with coin housed in cellophane envelopes and placed inside a cardboard box.  Some newer proof sets have been placed in plastic "blister packs" for ease of processing. 

Original US Mint packaging is rarely air tight, which allows development of a haze or residual oil on the surface of the coin.  The haze can form gradually from contact with air borne substances in the immediate environment, and can be accelerated by humidity and temperature variation.  Over time, these unattractive residues not only can hide the original luster of the coin, in the most extreme cases, with the right combination of factors, they can even begin to corrode the coins!

While original Mint packaging adds some historical interest, it is simply not best for long-term coin storage.  If you decide to keep some of them in their original packaging, we do offer aluminum coin proof set cases for ease of storage and organization.  But if you decide to break them out of "their shells", I would suggest cleaning them off with a cotton polishing cloth, perhaps placing them in a coin capsule or coin flip, and then store them in a coin album or a coin case.  This will allow you to enjoy your collection, while insuring their long term protection.