I hate fingerprints on coins.

MWallace

I WILL NOT buy a coin that has a fingerprint on it. I just can't get past it.

I have two questions:

1. Is there anyone else that feels the way I do?

2. Is it just me or does there seem to be a relatively large amount of coins that exhibit fingerprints on them? Every time I search for coins I see quite a few.

oldabeintx

I can live with a partial print on silver if its pretty well hidden by the toning. Plus I know that if I like a silver coin well enough sans FP, I can have it conserved. Otherwise, fingerprints are one of those problems that eat away at me the more often I look at the coin. Haven't really noticed a large number extant, maybe because of cleaning. Of interest I've seen some very high-graded coins with FPs.

ricko

I do not like fingerprints on coins.... and often, they cannot be removed, since the acid in the fingerprint will etch the surface of the coin if not promptly (and properly) removed. I will pass on coins with fingerprints. Cheers, RickO

CommemKing

I concur.

Colonialcoin

I too will never buy coin that has visible fingerprints on the obverse or reverse. It completely ruins the look of the coin for me. It’s ok if the fingerprint is on the edges.

WildIdea

This is my only fingerprint coin. My only matte proof Lincoln cent. It's a problem I can live with in this case. I see the print and I just don't care because the coin is fantastic otherwise and there just are not many of these to go around. Another way to see it for me is the tougher the coin the more leeway I give it for a space in my collection. In this case it was the print on this PR.

To me, I like hairlines way less than a print, but that's just me and I would still consider a coin with hairlines or any problem that still makes it into a straight grade holder, if the piece was interesting enough and priced accordingly.

Walkerfan

It depends on how bad it is. Some are barely noticeable, while others are quite prominent. I accept the former but pass on the latter.

oldabeintx

I worked with a dealer (not RS) who had a number of nice proof IHC's for sale. All were attractive, but a couple had FP's. His pitch: "they add historical interest as they were left there by an 18th century dealer or collector." Yeah, or some bozo 30 years ago.

TwoSides2aCoin

I remember the day i was trying to show a George Washington Dollar with missing edge lettering to a fellow. He put an index finger on one side and his thumb on the other. I instantly asked " what are you doing ? " He said " Examining the edge !
Well, it was a quick sale for a hundred bucks, just the same.

Onastone

Fingerprints are awful. Imho ruins coins. Don't touch them.

robec

Ordinarily I don't like fingerprints on coins, but I can over look in some cases.

3keepSECRETif2rDEAD

...I always wonder if the fingerprint on a rare coin came from a 5-finger discount?...basically, if it’s a nice toner then there has to be a fingerprint somewhere on the coin for it to be within my budget, that’s all

asheland

It depends on how severe.
A couple of the Lincolns on this thread i’d still buy, but many coins with a fingerprint are a no go for me.

Namvet69

Numismatically, I don't like them at all. I think everyone should wear white cotton gloves when handling collector coins. IMO. Peace Roy

Paradisefound

I would not buy any coin with fingerprint ...... unnecessary distraction to enjoy the coin.

NumisOxide

Depends on the coin and eye appeal. If it's a common coin, then I would look for another. If its a scarce coin and the fingerprint not so pronounced then maybe.

Elmhurst

In 40 + years of collecting, I have learned to not buy anything with fingerprints or carbon spots.

hchcoin

I don't like them and it's hard for me to agree that they are uncirculated but a few people on here have made a strong case for it so I guess I have to accept it .

Jimnight

I agree.

topstuf

I don't like em either but I just can't put my finger on the reason.

cmerlo1

I don't care for them either, but sometimes...

BillDugan1959

I don't like fingerprints, but it is a matter of degree of the print and that has to be balanced with the significance of the coin being considered for purchase.

tradedollarnut

I absolutely adore this coin with prints

dmwest

you should run it through CODIS and see if you get a hit.....

Zsmartie

I have to admit I am not impressed with a finger print on a coin. I had to search though all my coins and could only find one to my knowledge that has a finger print. On this coin the finger print is not obvious, however, overall I am not impressed with the coin. If someone made me an reasonable offer for it, it would be theirs.

Zoins

Are there any known, famous fingerprints on coins?

rln_14

Do not like fp's on coins

mt_msla

Awhile back, there was an ad on tv for a Morgan silver dollar hoard wherein the dollars were all dumped out on a table and you heard the CLINK CLINK CLINK CLINK of silver hitting silver. And then, on top of that, the dude pushing the sale was holding the Morgans in his bare hands.

Ironically, if I remember correct, they were trying to sell NGC slabs. But for the purposes of the ad, the raw coins were presented as I stated above.

I never bought from them. I realize that they were common date ...it's just the idea though ... to present something as rare and valuable, and then during the ad actually show this orgy of mishandling.... ugh.

JBK

Years ago I bought my first graded uncirculated Morgan as a generic purchase by mail order. What I received was, I recall, a beautiful, frosty 1879S. But it had the biggest thumbprint I have ever seen on the obverse. I could not get past it and I exchanged it for a clean coin that was far more average overall.

I still have the coin and am glad I exchanged it, but I never forgot the one I sent back that was marred by that fingerprint.

thefinn

@mt_msla said:
Awhile back, there was an ad on tv for a Morgan silver dollar hoard wherein the dollars were all dumped out on a table and you heard the CLINK CLINK CLINK CLINK of silver hitting silver. And then, on top of that, the dude pushing the sale was holding the Morgans in his bare hands.

Ironically, if I remember correct, they were trying to sell NGC slabs. But for the purposes of the ad, the raw coins were presented as I stated above.

I never bought from them. I realize that they were common date ...it's just the idea though ... to present something as rare and valuable, and then during the ad actually show this orgy of mishandling.... ugh.

Go to a PCGS or NGC video of the graders doing their thing. Guess what, they use their BARE FINGERS to hold the coins! You have much more feel and ability to hold the coin that way, rather than having gloves on. So if you won't buy a coin after it has been held by someone's bare hands, don't buy from those two TPGers.

mt_msla

Thanks for that info. I already knew that. But thanks.

Unknown

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Coinosaurus

I hate fingerprints. Whoever put their fingerprint on the Vermeule 1872 proof SD should be hung by their thumbs. It was the best SD on the planet before they did their dirty work.

Beware of catalogers who dismiss them as "trivial finger marks," etc.

lkenefic

As a general rule, no... I will pass on coins with fingerprints. I remember looking for a 1909 Lincoln in MS. I found a beautiful 64... if not for a thumbprint on the field right behind Abes head!