What about fingerprints?
Outhaul
Posts: 7,440 ✭✭✭✭✭
Just curious. But is a fingerprint a total turn-off to anyone else?
Personally, even the slightest remnant of a fingerprint would keep me from buying a coin that I really wanted.
Cheers
Bob
Personally, even the slightest remnant of a fingerprint would keep me from buying a coin that I really wanted.
Cheers
Bob
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Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Considering how often collectors handled their coins back in those days, I'd bet if you looked hard on most toned coins which have never been dipped, you'd find a trace of a print on most of them. With coins having been dipped and dipped again the past 100 years, a lot of fingerprints have been removed. If you want absolute original skin on a silver coin the fingerprint part is something you deal with. I've seen it so many times on choice/gem better date seated coins that I've always considered it just part of their original fabric.
On blast red copper coins I'd state a different story. But even on nicely toned original copper a fingerprint can blend in and not be too obstrusive. An AU 1799 cent with choice original surfaces and a faint print....you could twist my arm a little and I'd buy it.
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
I hate fingerprints.
I don't mind them when they are like this.
That's a nice one. And it makes you think that there's often not a huge difference on a monster toner Morgan between a faint print and the signs of bag textile toning.
Considering how often collectors handled their coins back in those days, I'd bet if you looked hard on most toned coins which have never been dipped, you'd find a trace of a print on most of them. With coins having been dipped and dipped again the past 100 years, a lot of fingerprints have been removed. If you want absolute original skin on a silver coin the fingerprint part is something you deal with. I've seen it so many times on choice/gem better date seated coins that I've always considered it just part of their original fabric.
Great points.
Fingerprint, spotted, darkly toned coins are a turnoff for me. I prefer mint state coins which are brilliant, wellstruck, with super cartwheel luster.
Who am I kidding...pass on most instances.
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If the fingerprint is obvious, I'm out.
same here
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Fingerprints are on a case by case basis.
PCGS photo grade 1819 bust quarter MS65 FP
PCGS photo grade 1831 bust half MS67
Can you be absolutely sure there's no signs of a finger print on this CBH?
1883 toner Morgan under eye appeal guidelines
The above Morgan is an example of positive eye appeal. I'd agree. If there wasn't the strong bag toned crescent on the obv I'm not sure I could discern the spotted toning pattern as either bag fabric, fingerprints, or both. The 1887 Morgan under "neutral" eye appeal guidelines definitely has an obverse print. PCGS would seem to agree that the influence of a FP "depends" on multiple factors. We're right back to the other thread where average, neutral, low end or similar coins are no longer desired by the vast majority of collectors, unless discounted 1/2 to 1 or more grades. Any wonder why the market is in a funk?
It amazes me that nicks, scratches or "album toning" are par for the course with regard to classic coins, but the slightest hint of a visible fingerprint breaks the deal. Weren't most coins prior to the "modern era" handled with fingers? Isn't a fingerprint an unfortunate but acceptable "blemish" on many "original" coins?
Some fingerprints are extremely distracting and others are unobtrusive, especially if the coin has other positive attributes. Does the fingerprint on that Lincoln cent really bother some of you that much?
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!
Far more original is different then you usually say attests to the originally. Now if you want to take personal shots...... go away.
Here is a fingerprint that doesn't bother me in the least:
Where's the fingerprint? I don't see it.
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
http://www.american-legacy-coins.com
If the fingerprint is obvious, I'm out.
- Jim
On the cameo proofs that I collect, a fingerprint is the kiss of death.
Agreed. And I would apply this to PL and DMPL coins too. I've passed on some black and white cameos because I found the fingerprint too distracting.
I get nervous when this conversation arises because it gives collectors another reason to dip coins.
Dipping would do nothing for an old fingerprint. Like herpes, fingerprints are forever.
Lance.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
I detest prominent ones and they are akin to damage, as far as I'm concerned.
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BTW, FINGERPRINTS ON COINS
What's the difference between the dark gunk on your icon coin and a fingerprint? Talk about feeling dirty! I don't see any difference other than a fingerprint can morph into attractive toning.
BTW, FINGERPRINTS ON COINS
What's the difference between the dark gunk on your icon coin and a fingerprint? Talk about feeling dirty! I don't see any difference other than a fingerprint can morph into attractive toning.
OK, you guys have convinced me...... fingerprints are better. Thank you.