Guys,

I have to say, by far, this is the best (and cheapest) loop I have come across for coins. It has a bright light (if need be) and really helps to make out the details on the coil. It has 45X magnification - I imagine the stronger ones won't work very well so don't go above 45X.

You can find them on Ebay under 45X mini microscope. I see them mostly shipping out of China but they have them in the States too. Comes with a small case and would be perfect for the field as well as home. Note the pics & in reality the date is crystal clear but hard to take a pic of. Any more magnification (it's at it's minimum which is perfect) is too much.

Albert