This USB microscope is excellent for taking a close look at your coins. I’ve seen these selling for upwards of $200 at coin shows, but you can get one from Brando for only $75.

It magnifies anything from 10x all the way to 200x. Features include enabling you to “capture” either a photograph, or video with a simple click, capability of interfacing to PC, adjustable focus, quick and easy installation, and stylish design.

You can download the software from here and you can buy an excellent stand for the microscope here for $39.

You can get a free book on coin grading called How to Grade U.S. Coins by James L. Halperin.

You have to complete a short survey and you can either receive the book or the latest Heritage auction catalog. The offer is only for new registrants to the HA.com Web site.

http://www.ha.com/OTH16296

Or you can call Heritage at 866-835-3243 and mention reference code #OTH16296.

Tip: Marc Ullman

PHILADELPHIA – United States Mint Director Edmund C. Moy was on hand at the Philadelphia Mint for a ribbon cutting to commemorate the public release of the 2009 Ultra High Relief (UHR) Double Eagle gold coin. About 40 people were in attendance including several members of the Mint’s executive staff from Washington.

Director Moy opened the exhibit to the public which consisted of three display cases similar to those seen in the Mint booth at the ANA show in Baltimore this July. The first two display cases contained test UHR strikes at various tonnages, two plaster sculptures of the obverse and reverse of the UHR design:

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