Well, if its a brilliant uncirculated coin, the possibility of leaving finger prints is very high. The oils or contaminants from your hands can damage the surface of the coin. If its a circulated coin, not much more damage could actually occur. Folks tend to forget the literal beating that most coins get while in circulation yet, they still seem to survive quite well. Especially the modern cnclad coins which are just super hard. Its all a matter of preference.
Touching the "top"? I know 'edge', 'obverse,' 'reverse,' and 'clock position' on coins, but never heard of the "top." Do you mean the "face" (obverse) of a coin or the edge of the coin at the 12 o'clock position?
Well, if its a brilliant uncirculated coin, the possibility of leaving finger prints is very high. The oils or contaminants from your hands can damage the surface of the coin. If its a circulated coin, not much more damage could actually occur. Folks tend to forget the literal beating that most coins get while in circulation yet, they still seem to survive quite well. Especially the modern cnclad coins which are just super hard. Its all a matter of preference.
If you leave your fingerprints on either face of a coin, the interplanetary police will find you! Chris
Several posts removed. Don't let a troll , whoever he is, and he knows who he is, and probably we do also) get you infraction points for inappropriate responses. You are dancing his dance.