Speedy

Howdy Y'all
Hope it is alright to post in the Frequently Asked Questions since ND is the only other poster...

Some people do not realize how that holding a coin the wrong way can decrease the value of the coin.

ALWAYS hold a coin buy the edge or rim....NEVER NEVER place your fingers on the face or back of the coin...if the coin is circulated it might not hurt but in the long run its better to be safe than sorry.

Fingerprints will appear on the coin if you touch it the wrong way.

I have a box almost full of "Problem Coins" because somebody has cleaned or held or damaged the coin is some way where it does not go in my collection.

So hold the coin right and be safe.

Speedy

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Coin collecting is the only hobby in the world that you can spend all the money in the world and still have some left over

WINS - ANA - CONECA -

GDJMSP

Of course it's alright - it is even encouraged

Here's a couple of articles that provide additional information.

How To Hold A Coin - 1

How To Hold A Coin - 2

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knowledge ..... share it

Speedy

Ah, that is what I wanted but couldn't find

Thanks GD.
Well what knowledge I have I try to share and help other maybe younger collectors since I was there once and know what it's like...very well

Speedy

__________________
Coin collecting is the only hobby in the world that you can spend all the money in the world and still have some left over

WINS - ANA - CONECA -

NOS

I am weary of holding uncirculated coins by their edges now. A good while ago I noticed with uncirculated coins(and circulated as well just not as much) that a mist from my fingers would show on the borders of the coin and then disappear after a few seconds so now with unc. coins I try and hold them with my shirt and even then try not to get my hands sweaty so it does not build up on my shirt where I handle the coins.

Speedy

I don't think I wouls use your shirt at all....
Are your hands always sweaty?

Speedy

__________________
Coin collecting is the only hobby in the world that you can spend all the money in the world and still have some left over

WINS - ANA - CONECA -

NOS

Well I just use it to hold the coin by the rim. Even when my hands are dry I see it happen. I've been told that there is always oil and crap coming from your fingers and no matter how dry you think they are that that is happening and I fully believe because of what I have seen...

Jens

Personally i think the easiest way is to wear cotton gloves when handling coins. They don't cost much and you don't need to be over-cautious not to touch the coin in the wrong place all the time.

gopher29

If you don't have cotton gloves or would prefer a method that won't leave lint or dust residue behind on the coins surface you might want to consider investing in a box of disposable latex-free vinyl surgical gloves. Just make sure they are indeed the latex "powder free" variety so as to ensure you won't be leaving any residue behind. If you work in a healthcare setting then you probably are familiar with this product. I have tried them and they seem to work great for coins.

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"A desperate disease requires a dangerous remedy." ~Guy Fawkes~

"If Antarctica ever mints a coin I think it should have a Penguin on it." ~gopher29~

GDJMSP

Any professional you ever talk to will tell you to never use anything but cotton gloves. Latex gloves, surgical gloves of any kind are specifically not recommended.

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NOS

Well...I've tried that in point of fact and after a while I notice the same thing happens. I've come to the conclusion that it is just best to handle them as little as possible and get them in a holder right away.

Jens

Just to make sure nothing bad happens to my coins:
How long is a while and did you wash or change the gloves from time to time ?
Anyway you're perfectly right, not handling the coins at all is safest but sometimes i just WANT to touch one, can't help it...

GDJMSP

Jens -

All I can speak of is my experience. But that has been that white cotton gloves are the preferred method for handling coins. I use a pair for a month or so - throw them away and get a new pair. Never had a problem

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knowledge ..... share it

NOS

Well a while is what I would say is the time it takes for your hands to warm up because of being in the gloves themselves. Doesn't take long for me. I don't really use the gloves anymore but to tell you the truth I didn't wash them but they were pretty new anyways.

Speedy

Well yes gloves are great if your hands are the right size...mine are not...
I love to hold coins as it's a bit of history in each coin.
Today I bought a 1908-S IHC and to just think that maybe a president used that coin to help fund his campaign...
Speedy

__________________
Coin collecting is the only hobby in the world that you can spend all the money in the world and still have some left over

WINS - ANA - CONECA -

NOS

Yes that is a very good point. It's no big deal if they are circulated but with a reeded coin you have to be careful as that brightness and sharpness of the reed wears down mighty fast...