| Author |
 Replies: 12 / Views: 3,853 |
|
|
New Member
Canada
22 Posts |
i have a nasty habit that I'm having difficulty kicking...handling coins. I dont know why but I prefer to handle my coins like a non collector over holding them by the edge. I've been able to hold myself back with coins that still have luster but with circulated coins,it can be difficult.
how bad is this habit? I'm not handling anything really rare or unique. just stuff like tarnished coins mainly from the early to mid 20th century. I do wash my hands well before handling so that removes some of the oils.
|
|
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
8904 Posts |
I've seen quite a few coins permanently marked with fingerprints, particularly Proof coins that are very susceptible to oily fingerprints. Maybe cotton gloves? That was you can still handle them but not do any potential damage?  Edited by Moe145
12/21/2013 12:14 pm
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1037 Posts |
 You should protect your coins by wearing gloves. I also keep a microfiber cloth made for glass cleaning by my coins in case I have to touch them and gloves are not handy. |
|
Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Why would you care about handling a circulated coin? It's not like you're the first to do it. It's circulated.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
If your hands are clean and the coins have already seen significant circulation, its really not that bad. You arent doing anything to them that hasnt been done 10s of thousands of times before.
Obviously its not something you want to do with high grade/high value coins and definitely not proof coins, but vf or lower I say whatever ever makes you happy.
If youre really worried about it you could set aside a few to handle to your hearts content and scratch that itch while preserving the rest.
|
|
Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
I am typing this post with my right hand and fondling a raw 250-year-old Russian 5 Kopeck at the same time with my left. In a minute, I'm going to switch to my avatar coin. And you can't stop me.  |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3453 Posts |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1005 Posts |
Sliding on the table, spinning on their edge like a top, trying to catch one in your hand from your elbow are all fun ways to break the habit of touching the faces.
Sealed in albums keeps fingers off em
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1751 Posts |
Can anyone explain how a fingerprint adheres to the coin surface. I've seen a couple of pennies with fingerprints, I tried washing them with soap and water they couldn't be removed! These were common circulation pennies. I figured the print would come off easily. It's the strangest thing to me.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
Start collecting ancient coins. Your dirty fingers will enhance the patina!  The natural oil in skin should be no more aggressive than olive oil. Both are slightly acidic. That's why you can get permanent fingerprints on proof coins.  Come to think of it, I have NEVER seen an ancient proof coin. |
|
Valued Member
United States
368 Posts |
i did an experiment with a UNC 2012-D penny. I touched once a day for 2 weeks and then left it alone for a month or so. when I checked it again, it was dark and looked like the circulation on the standard zinc's you see in circulation today. not sure if this has anything to do with the original post, but still interesting none the less..
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
2362 Posts |
Quote:
And you can't stop me. I'm with SsuperDdave on this one. I don't collect proofs, so I don't pay attention to the 'proper handling' rules. When I buy a old copper my immediate goal is to break it out of the holder, give it a hug, and imagine the founding fathers that probably held the same coin. Member ANA and EAC "You got to lose to know how to win". Dream On by Aerosmith |
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
2781 Posts |
Quote:
my immediate goal is to break it out of the holder, give it a hug no kissing though... old coppers taste like... well... old copper |
| |
Replies: 12 / Views: 3,853 |
|
Posted 12/21/2013 1:50 pm
