Can a fingerprint add to the value of a coin?

solid

Let's say you've got a nicely toned MS Bust dollar with a fingerprint on it,
but it has been conclusively proven that the fingerprint came from Eliasberg?

Could that add to the value?

Whose fingerprint would you like to have on a coin?

MastaHanky

I think I'd pay extra if I knew that a fingerprint on a coin belonged to George Washington or Abraham Lincoln or some famous president. I don't think a collector fingerprint would be worth anything, though.

crito

LOL, could be a way to expand the signature slab business. Maybe they should include a hair follicle in the holder for future cloning too Then again, a bunch of Gerald Ford's tripping over their own shoe laces could wreak social havok.

wayneherndon

What makes Eliasberg so appealing is that he was a great numismatist. Yet, if he fingerprinted a coin, then he wouldn't be so great of a numismatist. So, I guess if Eliasberg were careless enough to get a fingerprint on a coin, then I guess I'd think enough less of him as a numismatist that his fingerprint would no longer be interesting or desireable to me. Now his autograph, that's a different story.

WH

Gemini

I would like the fingerprint of Jesus when he was shown the coin of Caesar.

BAJJERFAN

How about a print from "The Invisible Man".

cointagious

i remember i handled an 1891 ngc65 morgan about ten years ago that was absolutely covered in light figurepints that had now toned into dark blues and golden browns but retained wonderful luster beneath the toning. it didn't appeal to me but at a show many ohhed and ahhed at it and i sold it for a substantial premium. the guy that bought it thought it to be very beautiful and interesting.

Coulport

A finger print would add as much value as would an edge ding after Eliasberg dropped the coin.
They are both really damage, aren't they.

RLinn

Best fingerprint I ever got was my granddaughter's as she helped me push Lincolns into a blue Whitman that will be hers when she's old enough to know the difference between a penny and a dime.

shirohniichan

I agree with MastaHanky. I'd like to get some 16th century talers with fingerprints of Luther, Calvin, Bucer, Melancthon, et al. Proving authenticity would be a bear, though. Oh yeah, I forgot to add Ursinus.

prooflike

I can see it now, the label reads:

Authentic spit & fingerprint of xxxxx xxxxx.

newbiecollector

I have a proof set thay has the most amazing finger print on the cent. The cello has never been cut open and this print is very, very distinct and dark brown. I would not call this a "mint error" coin but to me it sure is a whoopsie!

Sorry, this did not address your question at all.

edited: to add the apology for jumping on the thread.