Newbie Request

Cockney

Can someone please explain the term "Thumbing"

tjkillian

To thumb is to rub your thumb on the outside of your nose to get a little skin oil and rub it across a coin, typically a Morgan Dollar to dull the shiny hairline scratches to hide those scratches and thus make the coin look better.

Tom

Monstavet

As in "thumbing your nose" which is what we do to people who ask questions around here....

I believe it is a means of modifying Morgans so there appears to be less marks on them, especially on the cheek areas...is that right?

EVillageProwler

Whenever I see a bit of localized haze on a coin, I immediately try to look for fine lines or maarks that appear to go into the haze or come out from the haze. That, to me, is a clear indication that the haze is used to disguise something even worse.

I try not to buy any coin with a hazy spot...

EVP

Cockney

Sorry I realize these questions might be a bit pedantic for the older guys...Can the process be reveresed and if its so easily detectible, why do it?

Monstavet

I think it is a great question. I actually just learned what it is the other day.

EVillageProwler

Can the process be reveresed and if its so easily detectible, why do it

The haze is easily detected, but that doesn't mean it's hiding something. The "intent" is hard to discern.

I don't know if the process can be repeated, as I've always been too chicken to find out. But, I would imagine that you can always use a acetone-based solution -- as long as the metal itself doesn't discolor due to acetone (like copper, which is not good with acetone).

EVP