Coin Grading
1941ljt
Posts: 24 ✭
I really appreciate that I was lead to this site. I've received great information and advice. I know that I will finally get an answer to this question that has tormented me for while. I have seen experts comfortably make decisions on a coins grade on visual inspection yet
I've read that fingerprints also affect a coins grade. So how can a coin be graded visually if a fingerprint can significantly bring a coins grade down up to 2 points if it's located in the worst possible location? Thank you.
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Comments
I’m not sure I understand your question.
You’re correct that a coin’s grade can be negatively impacted by a fingerprint. So for example, if, without a fingerprint, a particular coin would grade MS65, the print would likely cause it to be graded less than 65. How much less would depend upon the size, location and conspicuousness of the print.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
The best advice for a beginner is simple. Avoid coins with fingerprints or any other problems. When you buy a problem coin you are making someone else's problem your problem.
Fingerprints can also be latent. Unseen until they start to damage the coin's surface. That's why collectors are advised to hold coins by their edge only.
Apologies to Mfe and all. I'm trying to gather the highest quality coins that I can gather for my collection roll hunting pennies. Example, I have a coin with only two small niks and perhaps 3 or 4 hairline scratches but my magnification isn't strong enough to see fingerprints. If I were to take it to get graded will they then put under magnificational scrutiny and then check for what I know is there but also then fingerprints as well.
You cannot usually see fingerprints until they develop unless the coin is a proof. Do an experment. The next time you find a BU 2020 cent in change rub the side of your nose and touch the coin. Examine it. Now put it aside and watch what happens to it as time passes.
...and do this without touching your face!
Lance.
But to be serious...there are no hard and fast rules about fingerprints and their effect on coin grades. Some general rules follow the common thinking that distractions (prints, hits, scratches, etc.) are worst in prime focal areas. But otherwise it is difficult to say just how much they affect grade.
By way of example, here's a coin I no longer own because I couldn't stand the fingerprint. It is graded PCGS 65RD. I felt the fingerprint was so prominent that the coin didn't merit 65RD. So I submitted it for grade review, expecting a downgrade and cash settlement.
HRH (David Hall) and I exchanged a few emails about it. He said he passed it around the grading room twice and the consensus was 65RD. I was surprised to say the least.
Lance.
(edit typo)
That is a beautiful coin: Gem, Red Uncirculated; fingerprint reverse. I agree with you. I am in the minority but I do not like to grade a coin above MS-64 Red with any trace of carbon. That was old grading. It's now 2020. While the commercial market is not as critical about carbon spots as it once was, it and I have been dragged into being less critical when we "market grade." The obverse is the important side; yet IMO, MS-65 is a bit of a stretch (even today) for that coin.
If you’re doing a good job of examining a coin and you don’t see prints, maybe there aren’t any. Or perhaps they’re not yet apparent and unless or until something changes, graders won’t see them, either.
Keep in mind that most coins you find in rolls probably won’t be worth the cost of grading.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Fingerprints quickly become permanent....that is the acids/oils from the finger will etch the surface of the coin... this is very obvious in the fields, but also on the devices/images. Often, if addressed within minutes of the print occurring, this can be prevented with a bath in such liquids as acetone, Dawn dishwashing soap/hot water, alcohol...much depends on the secretions of the individual touching the coin. After a while (and this varies), the print will no longer be removable...and yes, it should affect the grade - it is a surface imperfection. Cheers, RickO
From what I understand fingerprints are detrimental when grading proofs correct. Does it apply to circulated coins as well. Or since the are circulated do fingerprints still come into play? Thank you.
Fingerprints are a negative on any coin. It’s just that they’ tend to be more noticeable and distracting on Proofs and uncirculated coins than on circulated ones.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
As in the Lincoln cent above, mostly you buying a nice coin with an annoying problem with a real possibility of a major problem years down the road.
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Thank you. All of you have helped me to understand what I've been trying to figure out for a while.
I think it should be Unc. Details, jmo.
Fingerprints on both sides but I still like the coin. There are five war nickels that are difficult finding fully struck, 43P, 44P&S, 45P&S.
Leo
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection
Not everyone hates fingerprints. Probably no more than 95-98% of collectors.