Tools

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Mantic coins uses this loupe with a light to inspect coins when on the go. It fits in a pocket and can really give you an edge when cherry picking in low light conditions.

The replacement batteries can get expensive and tend to run $6/ea and it takes three batteries. I replace the batteries every two months.

Mantic coins uses this scale because it has the accuracy required for all coins you need to check for a wrong planchet error. It has a 100g X 0.01g resolution. For instance, a copper penny normally weighs 3.11g, a scale that only goes .1g resolution would not weigh this as accurately.

You should also order a 100g weight to properly calibrate the scale. These usually costs a few dollars.

Mantic Coins uses the PVC free coin snaps for shipping expensive coins as well as storage instead of using the cardboard flips. You can add a coin and have high confidence it will not get damaged, stack them, and add to a coin box for organizing.

Think about switching to these snaps instead of cardboard for your more expensive coins so you can completely avoid using staples. Staples can damage your coin if you scrape a staple over the mylar.

Mantic Coins uses BCW coin tubes for storage after coin roll hunting until we have time to grade, image, package, and label for sale or giveaway. 

You can write on top with a sharpie, but also fairly easily rub it off if you change the contents. The tops operate correctly on this brand, while some other brands have tops that just pop off easily. A coin tube is better protection and organization than having the coins loose on your tables, coffee cans, etc.

Start with one order of 20, but you will return for more due to the extensive list of varieties you will find. Think about expanding from one tube of NIFC's to one or two tubes for each year of NIFC, you will need more. There are forty varieties of the 1971 Kennedy half dollar.

Mantic Coins uses Double Pocket PVC free flips for shipping coins as well as storage instead of using the cardboard flips. It is important to get the non-plasticized flips so your coins don't get cloudy or damaged. You can add a coin, label, fold it over and put it in a page for display, and envelope for shipping, or a coin box for organizing. These can even be heat sealed if you wish.

Think about switching to these flips instead of cardboard so you can completely avoid using staples. Staples can damage your coin if you scrape a staple over the mylar.

Most coins fit in the 2" x 2" flips, but not all coins. Also, some grading companies require 2.5" x 2.5" flips.

Mantic Coins uses this Opti-Tek microscope for examining all coins. While this scope is a little higher priced, we believe it has all the features a serious coin hunter will need. We bought two! It works on PC, Mac, and Linux. It comes with a number of useful attachments.

What we like:

Sturdy base

Adjustable light source

Excellent magnification

Course and fine control of focus

High quality photos and video (1080p)

Service: We did have one stop working after a month, but we were able to call and get a replacement sent for free that arrived in a few days after our call.

What we didn't like:

Zooming from highest to lowest takes time, some scopes can be a snap to do this. This one you have to turn the adjustment a dozen or so times.