Newbie Question - Handling Coins

"away from your face" is that to avoid condensation from my breath? (Thanks, those are exactly the kind of things I don't want to have to learn the hard way!!)

To the forum
You left out a lot of information.
Exactly what do you mean by going through them?
What did you mean by nothing missed?
Are you attempting to ascertain a value for someone?
Some so called coin collections are just a lot of common, every day coins from circulation. Of course even then there is some care since you don't want to be the one leaving fingerprints, grease, spit, etc on someone else's property.
Mainly if those coins are just common, every day coins from circulation, not a fantastic amount of care is really required.
Contrary though is in case some of the coins, many of them, or a majority are true collector types, much care should be implimented. Cotton gloves are not really required but if you are not a carefull person, they should be considered.
1. Don't allow the raw coins to bang against each other
2. Don't drop them on anything hard
3. Never place your fingers directly on the face or reverse
4. Do not place any of the coins on a service you are not sure is clean
5. Do not attempt to clean, wipe, spit, rub, pick at any of those coins
Again though I'm not sure what you are doing this for. Always be carefull handling others coins or anything of value. Especially any item that is small and could be pocketed. Not that I mean you would but this is something that always is suspect when someone is playing around with someone else's valuable property. By this I mean what ever your doing for someone with coins, make sure they are present. NEVER accept doing something with someone else's valuables unless they are right there. You may not think so but this is really a great reason for family, friends, neighbors, etc. problems.

Well, in the immediate, there are several rolls in plastic tubes that we believe are junk silver. I'm planning to scan for key dates and then look for a buyer for the rest. Other parts of the collection do have some pieces worthy of grading.

Thanks for all the help

yes if you cough or sneeze move away when you inhale because you might suck the coin inside.

Just a hint too, coins are kid magnets...

...yet they find a way of dropping them?!?

Whenever my niephews or nieces are visiting I make sure my desk is clear of the good stuff.

But handing them some wheaties or old buffalos just may get them into neumismatics, which afterall is how this hobby continues on.