Reading relief with a lit numismatic loupe needs angle: hold the lens square to the field, rake white LED at ~45°—that is where doubled stars, filed rims, and wear patterns show.
Classic mistake: on-axis blast → blinding glare masquerading as «BU» over chemical wipe or hairlines.
Hand tricks
- Steady hand: pinky anchor on desk.
- Rotate coin, not loupe, for full rim.
- 10× overview, 20× to confirm doubt.
Rims and wear
Side LED on the edge reveals reeding and nicks the obverse hides.
Amazon
Dimming LED if possible; hard case; common cells or USB.
- Prior LED loupe article (sort 12).
- Affiliate ready.
- Phone photo after inspection.
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