Fingerprints on Coins

That's a shame but I believe it!

 

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So that must be the TPG'ers policy, standard or regulation, correct? Or is it still subjective?

 

If everyone would fingerprint their coins there'd be no need for bar codes and certification numbers on slabs.

 

409 cleans surfaces nicely.

 

And, it disinfects!

 

Don't care for obvious prints on my coins. Occasionally, print is subtle and blends in well with the toning. Then it becomes a matter of date, rarity, etc., whether I'll purchase it.

Here is an example of a 1910 reverse with a subtle print between the "N" and "T" of Cent:




The obverse:




Sold it years ago, not because of the print though. Normal size image did not show up.

 

I do not believe that is a fingerprint. It is difficult for the fingertip to deposit material that close to the edge of devices such as the 'N' and the 'E'. There is usually a small gap coming off , or going on the letter on the edge. I think just a small band of chemical corrosion. Did you have any suspicions of chemical treatment when it was in your collection? Jim

 

I personally detest fingerprints on coins, and will not buy them (unless it is an incredibly rare coin and that's the only way). Because I consider them such a negative on eye appeal, I will often grade the coin a point lower than a TPG does. However, the TPGs don't seem to mind fingerprints and don't significantly reduce the grade because of them.

 

I keep a 40% silver Ike (not proof) as a pocket piece because it had a distracting fingerprint on the obverse. Just a few days after first putting it in my pocket, the fingerprint was gone!

 

Correct, because coins are graded based on the amount of WEAR on the coin. A fingerprint is NOT wear. So a coin with no wear and with a fingerprint is still MS. But it may be given a lower MS grade due to eye appeal.

 

I don't care for fingerprints on coins either, but sometimes I'm not bothered by them.

 

Not at all Jim.

 

I’ve been lurking here awhile. Seen this post and figured I post a pic of a finger print that would have bothered me if I bought the coin. My brother in law gave it to me as a gift so im ok with it. It’s a 1883 ms64

 

Nice looking coin. Can you please start a new thread and post photos of it?

 

@Chad lajoice- You can post them here if you like.

 

Yes, certainly, but it would get more views in its own thread. For threads like this, I think double posting is no sin.

 

You knew, you're right. No problem.

 

BTW...what island?