Rinsing Coins Without Damaging The Surface?

to CCF. Fingerprints are permanent unless you remove them right away when it first happened. 100% pure acetone is safe to use,not nail polish remover though.
John1

With coins in VF or lower condition, and have a decent rich protective patina, I am happy to wash those that need it, with good old soap and water.
Just rinse them properly, and dry with a soft cloth.
I have never had any problem in doing this, in more than 50 years of collecting.

Also works well with less valuable finds from CRH'ing, when acetone cleaning is not justified. Most CRH'ers and coin dealer junk box searchers can get their fingers dirty, and it is good to have soap and water close by.
Valuable ancient gold coins respond really well to this method. None of my coins need to be washed more than once, before going into a 2x2.

Better grade coins should be given a soak in acetone, but only if they really require cleaning. Rarely do I have do this.

There is no cleaning method known, that will remove finger print stains. Natural skin oils are acidic, and will permanently stain a coin that has an otherwise nice luster.

All ancient coins have to be cleaned after recovery from ground burial. That is best left to the professionals. In almost all cases, they come onto the market after being cleaned anyway. Same applies to sea water wreck recovery coins.

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