How does PCGS view a fingerprint on a coin?

RB1026 · August 30, 2012 8:08AM

Is a fingerprint a downgrade, no grade, or non-issue to the graders at our beloved host? Can a coin make it into a PCGS MS66 or 67 holder with a light fingerprint/partial print on it? Does anyone here have any experience with this?

Zoins · August 30, 2012 8:16AM

Depending on the coin, it's acceptable on MS66.

WTCG · August 30, 2012 8:20AM

The same way toning is factored. If there is faint evidence of a fingerprint but it does not significantly distract from the overall look of the coin then it won't affect the grade much. If one is obvious and distracting then it will be a liability. As long as the fingerprint is not corroding the surfaces the coin will still grade.

LindeDad · August 30, 2012 8:29AM

Depends if it got there before or after grading in some cases.

Goldbully · August 30, 2012 8:32AM

<< The same way toning is factored. If there is faint evidence of a fingerprint but it does not significantly distract from the overall look of the coin then it won't affect the grade much. If one is obvious and distracting then it will be a liability. As long as the fingerprint is not corroding the surfaces the coin will still grade. >>

Good explanation..........Exhibit A

Zoins · August 30, 2012 8:40AM

<< 

<< The same way toning is factored. If there is faint evidence of a fingerprint but it does not significantly distract from the overall look of the coin then it won't affect the grade much. If one is obvious and distracting then it will be a liability. As long as the fingerprint is not corroding the surfaces the coin will still grade. >>

Good explanation..........Exhibit A >>

Nice coin and colors

But isn't that a MS65?

Lehigh96 · August 30, 2012 8:54AM

Exhibit B

Zoins · August 30, 2012 8:56AM

<< Exhibit B >>

Good response.

Since the question was for MS66-67, I wasn't considering modern NCLT.

LindeDad · August 30, 2012 9:02AM

<< Exhibit B

>>

I do not think the toning or the fingerprint were on this one when graded.

Goldbully · August 30, 2012 9:07AM

<< 

<< 

<< The same way toning is factored. If there is faint evidence of a fingerprint but it does not significantly distract from the overall look of the coin then it won't affect the grade much. If one is obvious and distracting then it will be a liability. As long as the fingerprint is not corroding the surfaces the coin will still grade. >>

Good explanation..........Exhibit A >>

Nice coin and colors

But isn't that a MS65? >>

Yup! I've never heard of the MS66 requiremment.

Zoins · August 30, 2012 9:08AM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< The same way toning is factored. If there is faint evidence of a fingerprint but it does not significantly distract from the overall look of the coin then it won't affect the grade much. If one is obvious and distracting then it will be a liability. As long as the fingerprint is not corroding the surfaces the coin will still grade. >>

Good explanation..........Exhibit A >>

Nice coin and colors

But isn't that a MS65? >>

Yup! I've never heard of the MS66 requiremment. >>

Check the OP:

<< Can a coin make it into a PCGS MS66 or 67 holder with a light fingerprint/partial print on it? >>

But nice coin nevertheless. Good to have some color in the thread!

PerryHall · August 30, 2012 9:09AM

Since "eye appeal" is a grading factor I would guess that the grading services treat finger prints as a negative or as neutral at best if small and not in a prime focal area of the coin.

Elcontador · August 30, 2012 9:12AM

<< The same way toning is factored. If there is faint evidence of a fingerprint but it does not significantly distract from the overall look of the coin then it won't affect the grade much. If one is obvious and distracting then it will be a liability. As long as the fingerprint is not corroding the surfaces the coin will still grade. >>

I disagree. I've seen what are imo hideous fingerprints on six figure coins, and have seen some on MS 66 classic U.S. coinage. I honestly don't think they figure into the grading of classic coins.

Staircoins · August 30, 2012 9:17AM

Usually through a 7x loupe.

MsMorrisine · August 30, 2012 9:29AM

There are the community standards, which we are hearing some voices from now...

and PCGS standards, which should be similar. However, as you know, I like to hear it straight from the horses mouth.... if someone ever asks PCGS this, I'd like to see the answer posted.

Catch22 · August 30, 2012 9:33AM

I don't think they charge extra for this service, but if you want the print on a specific area of the coin, it's extra.

Zoins · August 30, 2012 9:35AM

<< There are the community standards, which we are hearing some voices from now...

and PCGS standards, which should be similar. However, as you know, I like to hear it straight from the horses mouth.... >>

While it's nice to hear from PCGS directly, for this it's also easy enough to look at the coins that PCGS has slabbed.

How does PCGS view a fingerprint on a coin?

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