How long for a fingerprint to etch into a coin?

CommemKing

Does anyone know how long it takes for a fingerprint to permanently etch into the surface of a silver coins? Minutes, weeks, months, years?

The reason I ask is that I see more and more ebay sellers posting pictures of the coin resting on their finger or palm, etc. It makes me cringe when I see this yet they still get bids.

CascadeChris

I would say more than a couple weeks but less than months however some people's finger oils are more acidic than others so it's not an exact science.

AUandAG

Acetone is your friend and will remove body oils from coins. If you don't see the damage in the

pic already on the coin then a short soak in acetone will get rid of the issues from picture taking,

etc. Acetone will not affect the coins surface in anyway and only attacks organic substances.

It is not a cleaner.



bob

CascadeChris

Yes but the finger oils are acidic and over time will etch the pattern into the coin if the oils are not removed in time. The op is asking what the window is from oil print to etched print

asheland

I don't necessarily believe it will "etch" itself in...

CommemKing

Have you ever tried dipping a toned Morgan with a fingerprint that has been toned around? It stays there even after a strong dip. It most definitely etches its impression onto a silver coin.

CascadeChris

Yup. Most defiantly is correct. This is a well known occurance with bio chemical and metallurgical science behind it

logger7

I have a Standing liberty quarter with reverse fingerprints, not sure if they are "etched", though NCS said if they were could not be conserved. http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/...SwaB5XnM~c/s-l1600.jpg http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/...Swi0RXzuq2/s-l1600.jpg

derryb

depends on where his fingers have been.

lkeigwin

I would love to get rid of this fingerprint. But I believe it is permanent and nothing can be done about it. Am I wrong?

Lance.

roadrunner

Originally posted by: asheland

I don't necessarily believe it will "etch" itself in...

I don't quite agree either. There's a well known blazing gem MS66 1799 bust dollar with a print on it. Can't say when that print first showed up, but it was likely decades ago....if not 100-200 years. It appears to be superficial to me.

CascadeChris

Originally posted by: roadrunner

Originally posted by: asheland

I don't necessarily believe it will "etch" itself in...

I don't quite agree either. There's a well known blazing gem MS66 1799 bust dollar with a print on it. Can't say when that print first showed up, but it was likely decades ago....if not 100-200 years. It appears to be superficial to me.

Try removing it

SamByrd

Fingerprints can be invisible for a very long time and when there visible there most often permanent. Removed prints can be worse then living with the finger print on a toned coin.

TwoSides2aCoin

One second. That's all it takes.

Broadstruck

I've bought raw stuff from non collectors who didn't know how to properly hold a coin which arrived quite noticeably fingerprinted.



If fresh treating oils with oils will lift it via a submersion in mineral oil for a few months.



For old prints I know there's guys out there removing them with various chemicals.



Even on copper which is only a temporary fix as the whole coin is bound to turn from chemical exposure.

ricko

There is no doubt that acids in finger oils will etch the surface of a coin.... deadly on proofs. Now, individuals have varying amounts of natural acidity (diet, ethnicity, age etc.). Prompt removal - within minutes - can often avert surface damage. Acetone... or even Dawn dish soap.. can be used effectively if done promptly. This should be followed by an alcohol rinse, followed by running hot water....do not let beaded water dry on the surface. Once etched, it will be permanent. Cheers, RickO

ambro51

On a hot summer night in 1972 I found this Double Die roll searching. It was bright copper but already showed this fingerprint (not mine). I kept it in a container and about 2008 submitted it now pcgs ms63rb. But, anyway this is a 45 year old print. [URL=http://s249.photobucket.com/user/ambro51/media/Mobile Uploads/image_zpsuqhq5j5a.jpg.html][/URL]

tradedollarnut

Fingerprint 1799

steveben

i don't think they "etch"...they tone.

asheland

Originally posted by: steveben
i don't think they "etch"...they tone.

This.
And that tarnish/toning can be very stubborn, but its a residue on the surface, not etched.
(usually)

Broadstruck

I soak everything in mineral oil even without noticeable prints if it arrives oddly packaged.



I always figure if the person selling didn't know how to mail a coin they probably also don't know how to properly hold one.



My favorite to date has been a reused sandwich bag with free bonus bread crumbs

grip

Sure better than toilet paper

Broadstruck

Originally posted by: grip

Sure better than toilet paper

Reused TP absolutely beats a sandwich bag

asheland

Justacommeman

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