Fumblefingers

onthespot

Still new here, (AU) been reading all I could get my eyeballs on, looking at my newly inherited modest coin collection, going back, reading more...digging through them, flipping them over, starting to "get it"
Well tonight I read through some of the older posts, and was horrified to read about fingerprints on copper. CRA*!!!! I was admiring a '40's Irish copper coin with some nice toning on it. Been holding it several times in my fingers. I know cleaning is BAD, but is there something I can do to undo my error? I would like to be a responsible curator. I collect vintage marbles and NEVER polish or restore, and don't buy polished or restored marbles. Is there cleaning, and then there's CLEANING? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am feeling a little bit bad. Thanks.

CarlWohlforth

I try to get the few raw coins I have into 2" x 2" holders. In addition to the finger thing I often drop coins on the floor Another idea is to wash your hands before working with the coins. As to your current fingerprint I don't have any suggestions, maybe somebody else does?

nwcs

Another thing that can help is a quick dip in acetone QUICKLY after handling a coin. It will dissolve the oils from the fingers before they have a chance to etch into the coin surface.

pontiacinf

try using ms70 then hold the coin...odds are that coin will do better
than next years hopefuls for the olympics

Outhaul

Turn on your PM, I have something that might interest you as a marble collector.

Cheers,

Bob