Thumbing a coin. Would someone please explain what is actually done to a coin when it is thumbed?

UncleWiggly · December 30, 2004 10:41AM

Is it done to hide wear? Bag marks? Scratches? Also, after a coin has been thumbed, does it stay that way? Or does it start to show up more and more some how? Thanks,

Jerry

dthigpen · December 30, 2004 10:42AM

The goal is that the oils in the thumb will transfer to the surface of the coin and 'hide' some of the scratches and marks, to put it simply.

UncleWiggly · December 30, 2004 11:26AM

Thanks, I had visions of someone using their thumbnail some how. So I guess after time it would start to show some sort of signs that it had been thumbed.

Jerry

morganbarber · December 30, 2004 11:57AM

I believe that the thumb is first rubbed on the nose to get the required modicum of grease.

UncleWiggly · December 30, 2004 12:21PM

Then why don't they just stick the coin on their nose?

Jerry

dthigpen · December 30, 2004 12:22PM

<< <i>Then why don't they just stick the coin on their nose?

Jerry >>

Good idea~!

TUMUSS · December 30, 2004 12:24PM

<< <i>Then why don't they just stick the coin on their nose? >>

cladking · December 30, 2004 12:32PM

The oil will also help to lift off grime and debris. It can hide an old cleaning and make a coin appear much more natural. Very few circulated coins look worse afterward, but don't do it if there's corrosion or it will be highlighted.

UncleWiggly · December 30, 2004 12:40PM

Well, is using this technique hide/remove the defects permanently? Some yes, some no? Is it considered a ok form of cleaning or "doctoring"? Is thumbing used by some to "doctor" a coin in oreder to sell it?

Jerry

nwcs · December 30, 2004 12:51PM

No, just long enough to get into holders (is the goal). It also reduces the glare/reflection off of hits in the prime focal area. By making them look less noticable, they idea is that the coin will grade a bit higher.

Elcontador · December 30, 2004 12:55PM

TUMUSS, where I went to college, that photo would be considered by some to be pornographic!

morgannut2 · December 30, 2004 3:02PM

Silver actors make up (grease paint) was popular for awhile until the TPGS learned to notice it.

Thumbing a coin. Would someone please explain what is actually done to a coin when it is thumbed?

Comments

Leave a Comment