There's probably nothing more numismatically disturbing than to see a beautiful Uncirculated or Proof coin with ugly fingerprints marring the surfaces and devices. It is damage that occurred over time, but could have been avoided if all those who handled it took appropriate precautions.

Although many collectors may cherish handling a "raw" coin with bare hands, improperly holding one can leave behind traces that can't be removed without risking further damage to the coin.

Handle coins only when absolutely necessary. It is imperative to avoid touching the surface of coins - especially delicate Proof and Uncirculated specimens - to prevent the likelihood of causing wear or imparting substances that could cause spots or color changes to a coin's surfaces.

By themselves, fingerprints are capable of lowering a coin's grade, and thus, its collectible value. Fingertips often contain acidic oils that can wreak havoc on the surfaces of a coin. Moisture, oils, salts and bacteria on your skin ultimately can corrode coins.

 
 
RIGHT!
HANDLE COINS and other numismatic collectibles by their edges, and preferably with a cloth-gloved hand. Improper handling of the collectibles can result in ugly fingerprints being imparted that can't be removed without risking long-term damage.

Fingerprints may not show up on the metal of the coin immediately, but they will show up if someone has held a coin improperly.

By the time they do materialize, most of the damage has been done. The fingerprints will probably need to be removed chemically, if they can be removed at all.

Sometimes the materials on your hands can destroy the metal of a coin, almost making the fingerprint an etching into the surface of the coin.

This kind of damage is often irreparable. If it doesn't cause corrosion or discoloration, it can scar the surfaces with tiny scratches.

Such improper and frequent handling of coins can severely reduce a coin's numismatic value.

Be prudent by always washing your hands thoroughly with hot soap and water before you begin.

IDEAL!
IT'S BEST to use light, cotton gloves to avoid careless handling and possible damage. Although the proper way to hold most numismatic coins is by the edges between the thumb and forefinger, oils and other contaminants on one's fingers can be discharged onto the edge as well.

Whether holding a coin with bare hands, or more appropriately, with special gloves, you should always handle your coins or those of others by the third side - the edge. The proper way to hold a coin - gloved or ungloved - is with the edge securely held between the thumb and forefinger, as shown in the accompanying photograph.

Getting in the habit of picking up collectible coins by their edges will make the practice become routine.

It is also highly recommended to examine coins over the top of a velvet-covered, padded surface to prevent dings, bumps and scratches should the coin be dropped accidentally.

Make certain you do not lift your coin too high off the work area, because the higher you lift it, the further it can fall.

Felt may absorb the impact of dropping a coin, but coins can bounce and careen to the floor. It's a consequence to the law of gravity and perhaps one of Murphy's Laws as well: The more a coin is worth, the greater the chance that you'll drop it.

You can place a piece of felt down on top of a couple of layers of newspaper. You can purchase a small square of felt for less than $1 at most craft stores, or by the yard at a fabric store fairly cheaply as well.

The felt is a safeguard in case you may drop the coin while handling it. Never use the felt for any other tasks, especially tasks that might leave a sticky residue.

When you are done, step outside and shake the dust and other debris off the felt before you roll it up and store it in a plastic bag. Some collectors and professional numismatists prefer to wear gloves when working with their coins - it is actually best to always do so - but coins can still slip out of your hands easily when wearing gloves. Additionally, depending on the gloves' material, gloves may scratch your coins.

Still, while handling very valuable coins or lots of Proof, Uncirculated and higher-grade circulated coins, wearing clean white cloth or surgical gloves is preventive medicine against coin damage.

Wearing a cloth, surgical or paper dust mask is also suggested when examining coins close up.

The mask provides a barrier between the coin and small particles of moisture in one's breath that may eventually cause spots if they contact the coin.

Plastic encapsulations - whether from a third-party grading service or simply a coin supplies vendor - offer protection against improper or frequent handling, but there still are many numismatists who hate the plastic slabs and prefer their coins "raw" so they can handle them.

However, with that prerogative comes the responsibility of ensuring the next generation of collectors acquires coins that have been handled gingerly to protect them for many more years to come.

WRONG!
HOLDING a numismatic object, especially a coin, token or medal, where the fingertips can touch the item's surfaces is a definite no-no unless you don't care whether unsightly fingerprints show up at a later date to lower the item's collectible value.

Hope this helps all, Till Then...................