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What do I need to view and authenticate error coins?
Well to start, a good magnifying glass or "Loop" as it's called in the industry is essential. We recommend a "Bausch & Lomb" Hastings triplet magnifier; these are considered the standard for the numismatic industry. They cost in the $40-50 range and we recommend buying two different power strengths, 7x (power) and a 10x (power), this will basically get you the true grading view of a coin and the 10x for a little closer view when needed. Don't purchase one of those $6 loops that do not have the same optical make-up as a Bausch & Lomb. You'll be glad you did over time, when you see how much money you saved on coins by seeing those distracting/grade lowering marks that the cheaper magnifier didn't show!
Then, it would pay for you to get a miniature jewelers scale (grams) that is portable enough to put in your shirt pocket. With this, you can weigh planchets and errors to see if they're the correct weight! In other words, "authenticate", this is one of the best tools you'll have as a collector and will save you a ton of money. Example: weighing that missing clad layer State Quarter that can cost $300. Does the coin weigh its normal weight? Or is it a gram lighter.. It should be approx. a gram lighter as it is missing a clad layer... How about that Ike dollar blank planchet, is it real? The scale with tell for the most part... And on & on...
Later if you want, you can purchase a larger "Ohoas" scale to conduct "Specific gravity" tests. But, that's getting really scientific and advanced, that test will tell you the wet/dry weight of the coin to determine the metal composition (silver clad etc.)
Well! that should get you well on your way, the initial $50-100 on magnifying loops and another $60-99 on a portable scale, will more than pay for themselves in a very short time. After all if you're going to spend $50-$10,000. on an error, don't you want to make sure that you're getting what you're paying for... I think so!
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