Handling Raw, Well-Worn Old Coins?

Hi all,

One of the things that first attracted me to coins as a kid was the feel of heavy old coins in my hand: holding them, flipping them around, and exploring the different textures of fine detailed bumps and well-worn smoothness. Since I began collecting a couple of months ago, I have read countless articles that warn against doing exactly that. The general consensus seems to be that the only way to handle raw coins is by the edges, or even -- in the case of high-grade or especially rare coins -- wearing light cotton gloves. Now, I understand the reason for such cautions, especially with MS coins where an errant fingerprint could reduce the grade and lower value, sometimes considerably so. That makes sense to me.

But I haven't heard any advice for whether such handling is also necessary for well-worn old coins, specifically those which have seen better days and could only vaguely recall what it felt like to be a XF-40 in decades past.

Now, consider this: a soft cloth laid on a flat surface, just-washed hands, and a VF-20 Standing Liberty or Barber quarter.

My question is: could holding the coin in the palm of the hand cause any impactful damage to the coin, such that it would affect the condition or grade? If yes, can you please explain?

Thanks!
Michelle