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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;SuperDave, post: 2296581, member: 1892&quot;]In numismatics, originality is more important than dirt. That&#039;s the thing which new collectors have trouble with, for some reason. You just_don&#039;t_touch_the_coin. That&#039;s all.</p><p><br /></p><p>Here&#039;s one practical reason: Coins don&#039;t get dirty evenly. Circulation allows dirt to accumulate in tighter areas, while more open areas get wiped by handling and stay relatively clean. Now, the same is also true of the tarnishing/toning process, although not at the same rate.</p><p><br /></p><p>A dirty coin does not tone where it&#039;s dirty. Yet, the rest of the coin will acquire patina over time. When you clean off the grime, it exposes untoned surfaces. The result will be a splotchy coin with plainly-altered surfaces. </p><p><br /></p><p>It&#039;s not difficult to clean a coin without physically damaging it. The unspoken standard is, frankly, if you can clean it so the experts can&#039;t tell it&#039;s been cleaned, you can clean it. <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie1" alt=":)" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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