How is it recommended to hold ancient coins

So that's where the chocolate brown patina comes from!

 

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This thread needs a coin picture. This is not my finest work but it is my only coin that I believe shows a human fingerprint. It is strongest at reverse upper right. Now, is this the result of being handled by a modern coin cleaner with acid on his fingers or a Roman so uncultured that he did not know he was ruining my coin? I generally handle coins by the edges because it is easier to see them when they are not covered by your fingers. I own very few coins that have surfaces so clean that they have not met greasy human skin. Of the bunch, this is the only one that can prove it was fingered.
Septimius Severus, ARdenarius, Emesa mint, MART VICTOR, Mars walks right

If any of you can identify the person who made this fingerprint, please let me know. Until I learn otherwise my fantasy is that the print belongs to Caracalla and is made of the blood of Geta. Thousands of Tribute Penny owners like to think their coin might have been the one handled by Jesus. How is my Geta's blood idea so much more ridiculous?

 

My only non-numismatic ancient artifact is a 3rd or 4th century oil lamp. It has a well defined thumb or fingerprint impressed into the clay on the bottom. I think that's it's most interesting feature.

 

I think you may just be right. Geta's blood it is!!!