I'm setting up my "coin corner" in my apartment and need a grading lamp. If traditional incandescent bulbs were available, this would be a no-brainer. I'd like something that sits on my desk rather than clipping to it. What type of bulb (other than traditional incandescent) is ideal for grading coins? And is there a specific model desk lamp that works especially well?
This seemed like a helpful article at least on proper lighting. Hope it helps. Sorry I don't know a good name brand for the lamp itself though. http://www.coinweek.com/education/coin-grading/ron-drzewuckis-grading-coins-lights-loupes/
There are incandescent lights still available. The base and bulb may not be the traditional size but the bulb is still incandescent. These will be smaller physically and wattage wise. You will have to use multiple smaller wattage bulbs. I use some smaller clip on lights. I also use a white LED flashlight to easily spot wear areas on coins. The LED is not good for anything else really, maybe scratches too.
Yep, I've read that one. If you're referring to halogen bulbs when you say incandescent lights are still available, I'm aware of that. They're about 28% more efficient than older incandescent bulbs, so you should modify wattage recommendations accordingly (e.g. 75 watt old style incandescent = 54 watt halogen incandescent; 100 watt old-style incandescent = 72 watt halogen incandescent). I haven't tried these bulbs, but I've heard they're too harsh for coin grading. The other type of lamp I've heard of is a tensor lamp. I have no real idea what that is or what its light is like. I know LED and fluorescent are right out. They don't provide the right color spectrum. But, that's about all I know.
Even look for the pointy type bulb used in multi-lamped hanging fixtures. These bulbs have smaller bases. They are incandescent lights also. I still find them because I have those fixtures in my house.
I think those come in a max of 40 watts. I'd need like 2 or 3 of them to get a decent amount of light, and it would be kind of awkward, I think?
Similar to automotive lamps: URL. http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifes...580692-02e6-11e4-b8ff-89afd3fad6bd_story.html
