How do pieces/patches of dirt get into coins?

pcgs69

It seems like plenty of older U.S. coins have pieces of dirt between the lettering or inside the shield. How does it get there? It's not like people bring these outside and play in the dirt...

AUandAG

Ever see a working mans' hands?

Hmmmmm,
bob

Nysoto

Its placed there by dirt doctors trying to pass the coin off as original I think AUandAG has it right, in general, clothes, hands, etc were not cleaned as frequently back then. My great-grandparents had 15 children, I can only imagine what their house looked (and smelled!) like.

RichieURich

I think it is "antique" "vintage" dirt that "came from an estate" of the "grandfather" of "someone who knows nothing about coins" but wants you to "LQQK" at them!