I have not done this but ponder the question. If your fingers touch a coin, on the obverse or reverse, is it permanently damaged or can you remove the fingerprint without damaging the surface? Same question about saliva? Thanks Darryl
Some say that a fingerprint can be removed with acetone if it is done soon enough. Others I have talked to say that the fingerprint will return in time even if dipped in acetone. Personally I have never tried. As for saliva, it is acidic and will mark a coin. And to the best of my knowledge there is nothing that can be done about it. That is why proper handling is stressed so often - damage done to coins cannot be undone.
Agreed! Rather than try to remove the fingerprint, be extra careful. Sorry, of course everyone makes mistakes, but it will probably return in time, just hope that you are long gone when it does.
I saw a comment in another thread that said something about the mint washing coins when minted and this was why PCGS does not give grades of 70. Why couldn't the same washing process be used to clean oil from fingers? Wonder what the mint uses? Obviously it would be best to protect the coins from improper handling but in the even someone would handle them wrong it would be good to know what you could possibly do to prevent long term damage. Thanks
It depends upon how huch touching and how circ the con is. No trying to be funny, but if you simply pick it up to examine it, probably nothing. But, the damger is always in dropping it and damaging it.
