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Slabs and germs
gtstang
Posts: 1,699 ✭✭✭✭✭
I'm not a germaphobe but I imagine that some here are and with the number of people that will handle slabs at shows, I'm sure slabs can harbor germs. My question is, does anyone make an effort to use lysol wipes or anything else for this reason?
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I would not use alcohol wipes, they are likely to leave residue on the plastic.
If you worry about germs on slabs, think about the germs on the coins in change!
We live in a bacterial soup- there are bugs on everything we interact with in the world including, of course, each other. Proper hand washing and good hygiene are the most important barriers to prevent the spread of disease. You can suggest to your local show the strategic placement of a few hand sanitizer dispensers, if they are not present. Also, try not to sit on the opposite side of the table as the dealer who's sneezing and blowing their nose all day.
Otherwise, don't sweat it. The bugs are everywhere.
You make some good points! Slabs are perhaps a little less germ-y than a bowling ball?....
how many germs on the money in your wallet?
Give Me Liberty or Give Me Debt
A human body contains about 30 trillion human cells and 40 trillion bacteria. Only some of these will make their way to slabs.
This is somewhat off-topic, but I once owned a PCGS coin that had a small to medium sized dead (obviously) spider forever entombed between the plastic.
I may have a picture of it saved on my PC somewhere.
If I recall, I marketed it (in jest of course) as pedigreed to the Peter Parker collection.
as long as you can't see the germs under a 5x loop you're good.
@mannie gray that slab woulda been a keeper for me! one of a kind
Insert witicism here. [ xxx ]
Of course there are germs on slabs....and everything else we touch... As a matter of fact.. there is some history that fear of germs plagued the incuse gold Indian coin design....I have read that, although I have not researched and authenticated it. I know a couple of individuals that are 'germaphobes'...tough way to live, and they do not seem to understand that they are a walking, talking germ factory themselves. There are many more important things to worry about in this life.... Cheers, RickO
Fear your cell phone more.
I would think there are a hundred other item that we touch every day that have more germs than a slab.
Dollar bill, door knob, etc
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
Wash your fingers well prior to inserting them in your mouth, and you'll be just fine.
I worry more about mustard stains
Steve
Germs are good as it builds the immune system.
My sons doctor said that kids today NEED to go outside and play in the dirt to get exposed to all sorts of things found on planet earth ......
that girl you kissed last nite......covered in germs
A little exercise is good for your immune system.
A recent study concluded that youngsters who suck their thumbs and/or bite their fingernails are less likely to have allergy problems as adults.
Sometimes germs are a good thing.
Lance.
https://washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2016/07/11/thumb-sucking-and-nail-biting-might-prevent-allergies/?utm_term=.0065764a6b76
Good grief!
Ya gotta eat a peck of dirt before you die.
Live dangerously, fondle your slabs.
We have devolved.
Ever wonder what all that black crud is on the coins in your pocket?
True, in fact I believe antibiotics are derived from organisms in dirt, if I recall a year or two ago they found some new ones in Maine.
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
Before storage I lightly spray them with alcohol and wipe with a microfiber to clean everyone's finger juice off of them. It does no damage and leaves no residue. But this is just a matter of cleanliness, it's not like I'm going to be licking them. But if I ever acquire a 1792 Half Disme I might just do that.
Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.
it makes ya wonder where the other guys/gals fingers have been as well. just saying
I do the same with Windex and a soft cloth. It removes any smudges and auction label residue.
MAN,
You guys are scaring the crap outta me with this kinda talk. Now I feel like I should take a bath in alcohol with all my coins and money and my cell phone my dogs............
If you worry about germs on a slab, NEVER go to a casino and touch a chip.
DPOTD-3
'Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery'
CU #3245 B.N.A. #428
Don
I guess collecting the Culion Leper Colony coinage is out of the question for some people.......
I see a need for a Jewel Luster Spa !
for PCGS. A 49+-Year PNG Member...A full numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022
I'm a microbiologist. Slabs are not going to be a good substrate for germs...not porous enough. Paper money is a whole nother story...
Does coney dog residue promote the growth of germs?
It seems it's going to be a different world going forward on how we handle things. Date night with your coins may not be as much fun anymore.
I don’t think I’d ever let anything containing alcohol touch a slab. Alcohol dries the living heck out of plastics. That’s why I only use alcohol free products to detail my car interior. Quick drying is overrated.
"Today the crumbs, tomorrow the
loaf. Perhaps someday the whole damn boulangerie." - fictional Jack Rackham
Perhaps the cac holds the virus a day or 2 extra then the non-cacs.
Maybe put them slabs in the oven at around 180, maybe a bit of taco-hell sauce or a freshly boiled egg. Not only will you rid the virus but you will double value AT that gal.
Don't forget gloves and masks my brothers! Semper Fi!!
The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.