The Worst... Fingerprints On Proofs

I think people are suggesting two dips: first in acetone, to remove any oils still on the surface, then in diluted EZEst or the like to remove the toning that happened while the oils were there. But trying to remove toning (tarnish) from proofs is a bit scary, and there's a good chance the surface still won't look right when you're done.

 

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Oh, Man. I know some don't care, but I hate fingerprints on coins.

 

I hadn't looked at that set in years. Now that I know..... It will haunt my dreams.

 

I’d do this, but definitely dilute the EZ-est as Jeff mentioned. If it doesn’t turn out right, worst case scenario you replace the proofs and you’ll have some new experience in conservation under your belt. I would caution in advance that if it goes well, it can be exciting and you may want to try it on other stuff... tread lightly!

I for one am very grateful I only had acetone at my disposal before I sent my great grandfather’s best Morgans in for grading because I’m not sure I’d have been able to resist dipping one. Now they are safely slabbed in their completely original state and are a great permanent reference in my collection of the difference between an MA dipped coin and one with original surfaces. The acetone was only necessary due to their improper storage for 50+ years.

 

No, when people suggest dipping the coin they mean using dip. Acetone will remove the organic residue (oils from your skin), but will not necessarily remove all of the fingerprint. You need dip for that.

 

Are there any of us who DIDN'T do that as a kid?

 

I did not do this as a kid.

 

Somebody had to study so us slackers could look over your shoulder and cheat on the tests.

 

I'll hazard a guess you're in the minority. Just curious, were you interested in coins as a kid?

 

I got my first coin on my first birthday. Scott Traver's Coin Collector Survival Manual, the Redbook, and Coin Collecting for Dummies were all books I read before I was 12.

 

Well see, there's the problem. Most of us who were into coins as kids didn't read that stuff until WAY later. We were too busy polishing our coins with pencil erasers.

 

OK ... I get it all. But the bottom line ... so to speak ... is that we're talking about a $15 coin. If it bothers you to that point ... you can get a new one.

 

OK, let's see what you should do...wash your hands in warm water and soap and rinse thoroughly...hold the coin under hot water to thoroughly rinse it...use a cotton swab dipped in pure acetone and gently dab, roll or wipe the surface in the vicinity of the fingerprint...rinse with hot water and dab dry with a soft cloth. If this doesn't do it, repeat with eZest instead of acetone.

 

My question and curiosity as well....

 

Every time I see something like that Ike dollar my mind goes back to an image from 1992. It was the Bicentennial of the Mint act of 1792 and they were having a press event. The Smithsonian have brought out their collection of 1792 patterns and there was President Bush holding up their raw MS red example of the 1792 Birch cent pinched firmly between his thumb and forefinger, and not by the rims! I bet the Smithsonian people were having heart attacks.

41 posts to go.

 

A presidential fingerprint may be worth something.

 

Me either, I was too preoccupied with chewing on the erasers.

I meant acetone was the primary subject within the context of this thread up to that point of the discussion. Usually when I hear "dip a coin" I assume it is with eZest.

Which btw, when I went to the local flea market to finally get some of the stuff the guy refused to sell. He had 3 jars behind the counter that had been collecting dust for 6 months but said the postal service would not ship it anymore and he was keeping them all for himself. Which just confirmed that he was indeed dipping some of the coins he had out for sale.

 

Randy,

Don't feel bad. Look what someone did to this pattern proof long ago. Going on the block at Heritage in 2 days. Wonder if it can be restored?

Cal

 

You can blast off the fingerprints under the little steam arm of a home espresso machine. It works easy if you have a tweezer that big. I use cheap wooden ones that I get from the restaurant store.

 

Probably not without losing the rest of the toning and going back to blast white.

35 posts to go