Am I the only one who likes fingerprints?

DoubleEagle59 · November 27, 2008 12:42AM

On a toned original coin, I have never been discouraged to have a fingerprint on the coin.

In fact, I rather like it.

In all the other posts I have read, no one has stated that they like fingerprints.

Who out there does??

curly · November 27, 2008 12:53AM

Put me in the "I don't" column, brother.

lasvegasteddy · November 27, 2008 12:55AM

they just kill something to me

Cladiator · November 27, 2008 12:56AM

Depends on the coin, the print, size/location of print and a few other things. Some I like, some I'm indifferent too, some I don't like.

ajaan · November 27, 2008 12:56AM

I once owned a 1946 Specimen Set (Canada) that had wonderful toning and a fingerprint on some of the coins. The prints didn't bother me at all. They were probably put on the coins 50 years ago.

Coll3ctor · November 27, 2008 12:57AM

"Am I the only one who likes fingerprints?"

Probably one of very few.

lcoopie · November 27, 2008 12:57AM

yes

mirabela · November 27, 2008 12:58AM

I dislike them. I can tolerate a really light print on an otherwise nice original coin, but I'll want a discount for it. I can think of two coins in my core type set with prints. I bought the coins, and I've kept them this long. I like both coins, taken all in all. Still, I think they'd please me even more if the prints were not there.

smokincoin · November 27, 2008 1:03AM

Fingerprints? No thank you.

Fairlaneman · November 27, 2008 1:06AM

Most finger prints on silver do not bother me.

Ken

AmericanCopper · November 27, 2008 1:06AM

Fingerprints on copper are generally too distracting for me and tend to lower the grade, sometimes substantially. On the rare occasions I have purchased one, it generally didn't last too long before it would get sold.

DoubleEagle59 · November 27, 2008 1:20AM

Yes, I agree that a fingerprint on Copper bothers me.

coinnuttius · November 27, 2008 1:24AM

Finger print on coin = extra hair in my soup at a restaurant. Yuk.

The nasty ones are those that develop later. I was talking to a dealer and he showed me a beautifully toned coin w/ an ugly fingerprint on it. It came thru with a lady shopping the coin around, apparently after xyz dealers and herself were thru with it it had a nice whopper fingerprint on it... which later developed after the coin was slabbed.

JRocco · November 27, 2008 1:25AM

<< Depends on the coin, the print, size/location of print and a few other things. Some I like, some I'm indifferent too, some I don't like. >>

I agree with Clad

Goldbully · November 27, 2008 1:25AM

Got this Roosie from Airplanenut's charity auction.

DoubleEagle59 · November 27, 2008 1:25AM

<< Finger print on coin = extra hair in my soup at a restaurant. Yuk.

The nasty ones are those that develop later. I was talking to a dealer and he showed me a beautifully toned coin w/ an ugly fingerprint on it. It came thru with a lady shopping the coin around, apparently after xyz dealers and herself were thru with it it had a nice whopper fingerprint on it... which later developed after the coin was slabbed.

>>

Who has it? I'll buy it!!

Swampboy · November 27, 2008 1:25AM

Here, I'll date myself;

Do your own thing!

DoubleEagle59 · November 27, 2008 1:26AM

<< Got this Roosie from Airplanenut's charity auction.

>>

Now that's what I'm talking about!

holeinone1972 · November 27, 2008 1:30AM

Here are 2 I like and own.

Happy Turkey Day!!

MarkJude · November 27, 2008 5:02AM

Put me in the "I don't care for them" category -

Bayard1908 · November 27, 2008 5:11AM

I sold a coin 2 years ago and have regretted it ever since. An identical coin came up for sale just recently, same grade and the same old type ANACS slab. The price was even below what I sold my coin for 2 years ago. I was elated and ready to buy. Then, I inspected the coin and found a fingerprint. No sale.

cars · November 27, 2008 5:15AM

<< Finger print on coin = extra hair in my soup at a restaurant. Yuk.
>>

Extra hair? 1 is ok?

PerryHall · November 27, 2008 5:17AM

If you really feel this way, send me your coins and I will be happy to finger print them for you.

veryfine · November 27, 2008 5:19AM

I don't like them, but I am not an obsessive-compulsive cuckoo who is repulsed by them. Most well adjusted collectors accept them as an unfortunate, but common "discoloration" on many coins. Many originally toned coins have them, and LOADS of dipped white silver coins "used" to visibly show them.

Of course, it's a matter of size and location. They are par for the course on coins up through MS-63. Personally, I won't buy coins with fingerprints in the MS-65 and higher grade range, but that's just me. However, when it comes to proofs, I am much less tolerant of fingerprints in any grade.

Halfhunter06 · November 27, 2008 5:22AM

nope

WoodenJefferson · November 27, 2008 5:32AM

sorry=fugly

Overdate · November 27, 2008 5:37AM

Any circulated coin will have multiple fingerprints on it.

I will happily pay 10,000 x face for an otherwise nice but fingerprinted 1909-S VDB cent!

GFourDriver · November 27, 2008 5:47AM

I doubt you are the only one, but one of only a handful, for sure.

darktone · November 27, 2008 6:36AM

very often the coins I like have fingerprints or spotting. I am not saying I like these problems but the coins I like are classic US coinage with original skin and great luster. Most of the slabbed pieces have to be pretty high grade not to have impaired luster or surfaces- I mean finding the type of luster/surface I like does not normally show up in lower mint state slabs or even most MS65-66 slabs without some type of problem. Many of these "problem" coins are unslabble and I am alway's on the look out for them for my raw collection.

sinin1 · November 27, 2008 6:46AM

I like fingerprints that add to the toning/beauty

and dislike fingerprints that distract

you could substitute toning for fingerprints and get the same response from me

I even have and have seen coins that are toned on/around the fingerprint

that leads me to believe that some sort of oil/lotion/contaminant has on the finger that caused the toning

TwoSides2aCoin · November 27, 2008 6:47AM

Fingerprints are like spit or sneeze.
In real short order, they do not please.
Most often, not a pretty sight.
These coins, so marred, are just not right.

~a poem by twosides

~

garsmith · November 27, 2008 6:52AM

On AU and lower prints give character, on MS all I can say is

PerryHall · November 27, 2008 7:16AM

<< Fingerprints are like spit or sneeze.
In real short order, they do not please.
Most often, not a pretty sight.
These coins, so marred, are just not right.

~a poem by twosides

~ >>

You're a poet
and didn't know it.

darktone · November 27, 2008 7:25AM

One thing i have noticed is that most people that really distaste fingerprints/copper spots are the same ones that don't know their prized coins have other problems such as being cleaned/no luster or something that is equally as bad if not worse than a print. Seems like the more knowledgable collector will go for original surfaces with a print/spot over a worked on coin- unfortunately it will take more than just looking at pictures on the web to learn about stuff like this.

veryfine · November 27, 2008 7:41AM

As for those who gasp at the sight of a fingerprint on mint state coins, I have to ask:
What imperfections do you find acceptable on an MS-62 or 63 coin; scrapes, spots, dings, weak strike, lackluster surfaces or unattractive toning? In these grades, there are plenty of negatives to choose from. Some have decided that a tiny, barely noticeable fingerprint makes them scream in agony, but a black spot below Liberty's chin is a lovely sight to behold.

How ridiculous. Get help!

veryfine · November 27, 2008 7:44AM

Wow darktone,

You read my mind.
Excellent response.

calaban7 · November 27, 2008 7:51AM

Please keep us all posted on any new confirts to the "print" club.

How did that song go----- "In the year 2525 " ?

FatMan · November 27, 2008 7:53AM

I certainly don't favor a fingerprint, but a small print will not always be a deal killer for me.

Mickley · November 27, 2008 7:58AM

I used to avoid them at all costs. Then, one day, I had this epiphany, and suddenly, fingerprints took on a completely different appearance to me.
I like fingerprints, but that doesn't mean some of them are downright ugly and in the wrong place. Overall though, I actually enjoy them. I think a fingerprint can lend itself to some interesting toning that only a fingerprint can bring. Even on proof half cents, a fingerprint could be a good thing...well...maybe I should say not such a bad thing....

Dog97 · November 27, 2008 8:21AM

It's well known around here that I don't like fingerprints. If it had an unusual print pattern that spelled out my board ID or smoething I might be interested.

anablep · November 27, 2008 9:28AM

Fingerprints = epic fail

darktone · November 27, 2008 9:58AM

<< Wow darktone,

You read my mind.
Excellent response. >>

Thanks- I liked your respse too

. Go into your profile and turn on your PM's.

Walmann · November 27, 2008 11:26AM

You may want to consider paleontology or forensics science as possible career paths.

Actually in some cases fingerprints could possibly add additional historical significance to a coin especially if the print can be postively identified as a person of some renown.

bfjohnson · November 27, 2008 12:14PM

For some odd reason I also think they are neat on coins. That being said I wouldn't want one on a coin I was trying to sell.

mkman123 · November 27, 2008 12:16PM

I'm really into bright shiny coins so nope on the fingerprints!

thisnamztaken · November 27, 2008 5:04PM

For me, fingerprints on coins usually rank right down there with coins with verdigris, holes, scratches, rim dings, and graffiti.
Then again, on some coins with mottled toning I have trouble determining whether it has a fingerprint or the toning just makes it appear that way.
Case in point:

LeeG · November 27, 2008 8:39PM

<< Depends on the coin, the print, size/location of print and a few other things. Some I like, some I'm indifferent too, some I don't like. >>

BAJJERFAN · November 27, 2008 9:21PM

Fingerprints are generally distasteful and undesirable, but some are tolerated more easily than are others. Finding them on coins that were not intended for circulation or that were withheld from circulation for collector purpose usually means that one of the owners was a DOOFUS.

ColonialCoinUnion · November 27, 2008 9:34PM

The good news for people who like fingerprints is that you can apply them yourself to all of your coins.

PerryHall · November 27, 2008 10:01PM

<< The good news for people who like fingerprints is that you can apply them yourself to all of your coins. >>

......or just show your coins to all your non-collector friends.

lcoopie · November 28, 2008 12:38AM

it may be a good way to establish ownership in case of theft, like branding

I doubt whether any one here who claims to like prints
actually applied their own prints to their coins ON PURPOSE

Am I the only one who likes fingerprints?

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