What Causes This? Penny Question - Coin Community Forum

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Author	Replies: 7 / Views: 1,345
estedman Valued Member United States 180 Posts	Posted 06/24/2013 11:55 pm I found this penny tonight going though my box, any idea what causes this? [URL="http://s41.photobucket.com/user/estedman/media/5396f594-ea72-42bd-8723-5e7ef55fa81d.jpg.html][/URL] [URL="http://s41.photobucket.com/user/estedman/media/9eb4b4f5-b806-4bdb-8bcd-a71c29cb83bf.jpg.html][/URL] Report this Post to the Staff

Fuzzy317 Moderator United States 14463 Posts	Posted 06/25/2013 12:17 am looks like a finger print to me Report this Post to the Staff
cwb1877 Pillar of the Community United States 1659 Posts	Posted 06/25/2013 12:19 am It's a fingerprint. I don't remember the chemistry of it. Someone else will have to explain that part. This is one a couple of reasons why valuable coins should only be handled by their edges by gloved hands. A fingerprint such as this can have a significant negative impact on the eye appeal and value of a rare coin. Fortunately, this coin is worth nothing more than face value. Report this Post to the Staff
basebal21 Bedrock of the Community 13014 Posts	Posted 06/25/2013 12:52 am I agree someone decided to palm the face of it. I dont know the exact chemistry either other than something to do with the oils in your skin Report this Post to the Staff
estedman Valued Member United States 180 Posts	Posted 06/25/2013 01:17 am Thanks guys. I originally thought it was a print but then I took a lens cloth and rubbed it down and it did not come out, that's when I thought it may be in the coin. Report this Post to the Staff
Metzger22 Valued Member United States 127 Posts	Posted 06/25/2013 10:17 am From what I understand, if a print has been on a coin long enough it won't come off. It will even etch the surface of the coin. Report this Post to the Staff
biokemist6 Bedrock of the Community United States 12437 Posts	Posted 06/25/2013 12:59 pm Fingerprints will readily tone the surface of a copper or bronze coin. The same effect can be seen on silver coins but to a lesser extent since copper is more reactive than silver. Report this Post to the Staff
skyshark124 Pillar of the Community United States 1109 Posts	Posted 06/25/2013 5:30 pm Just carry it with you, and if you go commit a crime, drop it at the scene in a very conspicuous place. That print will really throw the investigators off your trail. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 7 / Views: 1,345

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