Once again, I didn't do a search for this topic because there are many members that are probably wondering the same question and would benefit from this new thread. Growing up, I always knew that it was very important to be very careful when handling coins. For years, I have had a really soft "coin towel" that I used if I needed to move or grab the coin in an odd way other than holding it by the rim. Over the years, I have noticed finger prints showing up here and there... even after I thought I was extremely careful. So I tried cotton gloves. Many people suggested cotton gloves... and I have them and use them, but very rarely now. They fabric is much more rough than my coin towel and I feel there is a greater risk to damage the coin. I was told that I could get softer gloves, but now I am not sure that is the way I want to go. So lately I have been using the latex finger condoms (for lack of a better word or description) Does anyone use these or latex gloves as an alternative? And what would the pluses and minuses be. Thanks. Joe
I had tongs at one time and I threw them away. Too much risk dropping the coin. I had that happen once or twice. Coin just popped out from the tongs. No thank you.
I think you can leave prints through the latex, and I'm positive that they can smudge a coin. Maybe you should try to only handle them by the edges, but do so over a "coin towel" as a precaution.
I just clean the heck out of my hands and use them. The only coins I'm carefull with are proofs. Other than that, I'm just from the old school of doing things. No gloves, tweezers, etc. Just my hands. No problems so far and that is after well over 60 years.
greetings! i also just make sure my hands are clean and handle only the edges over a soft velvet cloth underneath or some other soft surface. nothing beats being able to hold the coin as it is. most everything is plastic wrapped anyway. if you wish to use gloves, thin soft cotton are best. best wishes, steve btw..some latex gloves are covered in a thin white powder which could contaminate your coin.
Thanks Adam for your feedback. Although, I am pretty sure that you can't leave prints through latex, I agree with your point that you can "smudge" a coin, but you can do the same with a pair of cotton gloves too. The pair of cotton gloves I have are very "rough". I have been told that there are softer pairs out there, but I just haven't been proactive and found a pair yet. And Carl, I am constantly cleaning my hands before touching coins. Us Italian grease monkeys, ooze the stuff from all our pores. :kewl:
For the reasons already given. Some latex gloves have powder inside them to make putting them on easier. No you won't leave a fingerprint with latex gloves, but all of them will leave a smudge like print behind - cotton will not. Ask a forensic guy on any police force - they'll tell you. But yes, cotton gloves will hairline a coin if you touch the surface, so will laytex. If you want the right kind of cotton gloves go to JP's Corner, they have them.
it's wise to worry about how you handle your coins...............but don't forget about your breath! a lot of damage can be done to coins from ones breath! it can contaminate coins!
Yes I always tell people to stop breathing while handling coins. Then there are those that eat while handling coins. Nothing like a little mayo on your coins. Ever see a dealer at a coin show picking his nose and then handing someone a coin? I have.
