I have just started searching coins........Yes I`m a beginner,so ill have quite a few posts asking questions.So for my 1st post,i would like to know are pennies with what looks like finger prints on them, (they don`t wipe off),worth anything? I have found about a dozen 1980`s with them.I have also found 2 that look like they were minted then placed on cardboard,(the lines r farther apart than a finger print would be and straight), worth any thing? Of coarse a penny is a penny but if they r only worth a penny then into a roll and off to the bank they go :yes:! Thanks :thumb: BTW they r not like the ones in a few posts down.
John welcome to CT. Once a fingerprint is etched into a coin chances are its there for good. Though if caught early enough an acetone bath may remove it.(search for proper techniques) The biggest thing your post concerns me with is the word wipe, It doesn't matter how soft of a cloth you use wiping a coin will leave hairline scratches into the coin. Which will devalue the coin
Sorry I can`t post any pics ATM VDB.I thought a good description would do just as well. And yes KoinJester there was a big opps when I wiped the coin.But I wiped with my thumb out of habbit.So I should use acetone to clean all coins?Will it remove the dirty spots and the black and green splotches from setting in a silver teakettle for a lot of years?I don`t want to remove the finger prints but if they r not perm, then I don`t want them.But if they r perm. is there any value to them?I know they wont make me rich but if they they have value,then this is what makes the fun of collecting. when I can post pics. I have some pennies that have tiny states above the dates I want to post on here.I`m sure they r novelty coins (real pennies though).So cant wait to post pics. Thanks for the welcome mat.:yes:
I know my question might sound dumb but...I know everyone says rubbing a coin is bad. I can see that if its Uncirc., but if its a 30 year old coin in VG / VF condition its been rubbed in peoples pockets, hands, change drawers etc. so would wiping it with your t shirt to see if a fingerprint come off really damage the coin more? soory for the noobish question
With all the hands that handled a 1700 coin i see no need to worry about a finger print.The mint didnt send you gloves to handle them with.When you think about it they are pretty rugged. It will be a while before your coin will be that old.
