I am building an Ike collection and I have to break out coins from hard plastic i.e., mint sets and graded coins. I need to handle my coins too. I want to get the best cotton gloves. Any ideas to which is best? On Amazon right now and there are a ton of different types and brands.
Gloves are both unnecessary and can actually be a encumbrance in that they cause a loss of dexterity. Unless this is something you absolutely feel you must do, I most respectfully urge you to reconsider.
Books, what are your feelings on latex gloves? I use them a lot and I don’t see any ill effects with the things I do. Mainly coin roll hunting but I’ve never broken coins from mint sets. I don’t see any loss of dexterity with them either.
When I do use gloves I use latex and haven't had any problems. For me at least I still was able to leave an imprint of some skin oil through a pair of cotton gloves. Latex hasn't had that problem.
Books has a good point and I also find the same when I have used cotton gloves in the past. I would just make sure your hands are well washed and well rinsed and just use extreme care and not be in a rush.
I agree with Books on cotton gloves. If I am using acetone also, I use latex, if no acetone, I use nitrile, both inexpensive and discardible. Cotton fiber and also other natural fiber have a hardness greater than gold, copper, or silver coin metal. Unless you are experiencing sweaty/slippery fingers, there is no reason for any glove.
That's what I found out... Fortunately it was only a presidential proof dollar that taught me the lesson.
To crack a Brown Ike out you have to touch the coin. I used latex gloves once and it looked like fingerprints got on the coin. I think sweat was the culprit. I was hoping that cotton was different.
The loss of dexterity may be less than with cotton, but I've no doubt you'll still experience it to some level. That said, I am of the firm belief that gloves of any type are unnecessary for your stated purpose. However, this is your hobby, and one of the beauties of it is that you make the decisions as to what's best and/or right for you. If gloves will make you feel better, as long as you know the potential downsides, by all means...
Didn't I see somewhere that a dealer would first shake hands with individuals who wanted to see (handle) his coins, to see if they suffered from palmar hyperhidrosis?
We used to have some very thin cotton gloves to be worn under latex gloves to make them less uncomfortable to wear. These are very thin, and might allow you to perspire through them. I honestly think the best way is to 1) wash your hands often while dealing with coins and 2) handle them carefully.
Count me in the no glove camp. Only time I have used them is with MS 70 to keep that stuff off my hands.
Nitrile/latex deadens the sensation in your fingers and makes you quite a bit more likely to drop the coins. Additionally any crud you get on the gloves transfers to other coins. Using your hands, wash them frequently.
I've used lint-free woven nylon gloves for years. They are used extensively in the optical, gem and electronics industries where small parts must be handled without contamination. They are sometimes called inspection gloves. You can find them on Amazon, or google for other suppliers. They cost as little as $1-2 each and are reusable. Medical exam or surgeons gloves work, but unless the room is cool, I find that if they are worn very long, that soon sweat is dripping from the cuffs. Definitely don't want sweat on coins. Any glove will decrease dexterity. Compensate by using extra care. I spread a white, lint-free cloth over the table or counter before working with coins just in case one drops. Cal
The only time I've ever used cotton gloves is when I was sorting through a Mint bag containing same date/mm coins. The gloves turn black just like your hands do when you're playing an old slot machine. You can get the gloves at supply houses like JP's Corner. They're fairly inexpensive so when the fingers turn black, I just throw them away. Like others have said, you really don't need gloves when examining a coin as long as you hold it by the edge. Chris
I use cotton gloves everytime I open my mint and proof cases to put the coins in my danscos. Mainly because I have to push them into the slots.
To crack a Brown Ike out you have to touch the coin. I used latex gloves once and it looked like fingerprints got on the coin. I think sweat was the culprit. I was hoping that cotton was different. (Cited from: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/cotton-gloves-for-coin-handling.302377/#post-2843633)