Are fingerprints a negative when buying a coin?

This one showed up in my pocket the other day.
It has an interesting enough look and tone to be a keeper. Maybe even a paper envelope.
Do you find any fingerprinted coins attractive?
Feel free to post any fingerprinted coin that is in your collection.

 

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Personally, I cannot stand fingerprints on coins in any degree.

 

You avoid fingerprints whenever you can. Most collectors don't like them. It's the reason why you are told to handle coins as little as possible, and only by the edges.

I made an exception for this Columbian Half Dollar because it came in one of the packages of issue at that time. This was not an official package; just one of the holders that was used at the time.

 

I like it!

 

..me2! ..i had a ancient Trajan denarius that had i reckon the last persons fingerprints on it and i thought was kool as heck!...JAZ has it now...

 

The thread title asked about "negativity" but the lead-in text to the poll asked about "attractiveness". Those can be and often are different things. I chose attractiveness as an aesthetic as the criteria so I voted no. I cannot think of a circumstance where I would find a fingerprint attractive. Now, if I could be certain that the fingerprint on a 1792 half disme was that of TJ or GW or AH, then I would find the coin desirable and the fingerprint not a negative but a positive. That coin would be "attractive" not in an aesthetic sense but rather in a historical/rarity/uniqueness sense.

 

depends on the coin, some coins are rare enough to find (and I mean like varieties not necessarily those elite few coins that are inaccessible) a fingerprint can be overlooked. if it's the only problem I think... it's not a deal breaker at least.

I wouldn't say it's "attractive" I'd say, there's situations where if it's the only issue, I could live with it and not be bothered by it, but apples to apples if there's a coin without a fingerprint available at the same time, I'd go for the one without it.

 

Ya know every coin will eventually tone due to the environment.
I completely agree that fingerprints on most coins are a straight up negative.
There are a few that I like, and the coin has to be a strait grade with unusual toning.

 

I think that is exactly why fingerprinted coins recieve an MS grade. Technically they are a sign of circulation. The print has altered the surface. But because the market has made them acceptable, the collectors are willing to buy them as a hole filler.

 

I avoid fingerprints on any coin, even the ones in my pocket. Anyway, most of the coins in circulation aren't worth keeping, so I put them in my wife's coin jar.

 

I find fingerprints generally a detraction on a coin.

 

No, I do not! My choice only, Thanks for asking.

 

As a general rule, I can't stand them, but I will state that sometimes the toning effect is rather attractive (as illustrated by Pickin' & JM above ).

 

I avoid fingerprints if at all possible. They are a form of corrosion and cannot be removed. I've seen coins in high mint state & proof grades (65, 66 & 67) with fingerprints on them and don't know why they weren't knocked down a grade or two because of the fingerprints alone.

However, sometimes they can be minor and be OK but, it would have to be a very scarce coin for me to open my wallet.

 

In circulated grades, perfectly fine. After all, coins are meant to be handled.

 

I’ve found coins with fingerprints that are good keepers but I find that fingerprint annoying so I spend them.

 

Fingerprints are certainly a visual distraction and my eye is drawn to them instantly, so for me, they lessen the value and my desire to buy one. -PMD-

 

A negative when I’m buying
A positive when I’m selling

 

Generally do NOT like them, and, as mentioned above, a very distracting form of damage imo

 

As of most things in life, it depends... Most times they are distracting and unattractive. Having said that, there are also some that IMO add to the attractiveness of the coin. Here's a Franklin I no longer own, but enjoyed the look and kept it for 10 - 15 years.