fingerprints on proof coins
- Thread starter dragafem
- Start date
You could not get the finger prints on there in the first place, if it already has finger prints don't buy it. I believe it results in spotting/toning as on bullion coins I have put minimal finger prints while getting the coin into a capsule then I start seeing spotting in the shape of an actual finger print(who needs a serial number?), had to sell them cheaper....now I have some cotton gloves
Jcoin
New Member
Cotton gloves are the way to go if you must handle them.
I buy alot of coins online, but have never received a proof coin with fingerprints... just wondering if anyone else has? and did you mention it to the seller/ecommerce store? I'd hope that a replacement or refund would be easily secured.
I buy alot of coins online, but have never received a proof coin with fingerprints... just wondering if anyone else has? and did you mention it to the seller/ecommerce store? I'd hope that a replacement or refund would be easily secured.
I've refused to buy Perth Mint bullion coins with dirty great tarnished fingerprint whorls on them.
JoeFromNorthCarolina
New Member
It is also a good idea to wear a mask of some sort over your nose and mouth when handling your coins so you don't accidently talk to someone when holding your coin or sneeze.
Photonaware
Active Member
JoeFromNorthCarolina said:
Recently some gold was seized by customs in India I think where traffickers concealed their precious metal where the sun doesn't shine.
Wearing gloves and perhaps a mask in this instance makes sense.
As for removing fingermarks try washing the coin in hot water with a little ammonia solution and washing up liquid.
Sponge gently with cotton balls after agitating beforehand in the solution to remove any particulates that could scratch the surface if wiped.
I use a cheap ultrasonic bath.
After rinsing and pat drying if there is still a fingerprint visible try rinsing in acetone using gentle patting with a cotton ball.
Unfortunately some fingerprints that are old can leave a blemish that cannot be removed, sometimes not obvious but viewed at grazing incidence are quite noticeable. Not sure if there is a safe method of repolishing.
Photonaware said:
200 grit sandpaper is pretty effective.
Get two short mason jars.
Fold two paper towels a couple of times and line inside of jars.
Fill both jars with about 1/2 inch acetone.
Put on vinyl exam gloves.
Gently put coin in first jar and wait 15 minutes.
Pick up coin by the rim and hold while it air drys.
If finger print is still there take a q-tip, dipped in acetone, than apply gentle pressure on finger print with q-tip.
Put coin gently in second jar for 10 minutes.
Pick up coin by the rim and hold while it air drys.
Done.
If this doesn't work than hammer, chisel and blow torch (in that order). After trying the sandpaper of course.
Fold two paper towels a couple of times and line inside of jars.
Fill both jars with about 1/2 inch acetone.
Put on vinyl exam gloves.
Gently put coin in first jar and wait 15 minutes.
Pick up coin by the rim and hold while it air drys.
If finger print is still there take a q-tip, dipped in acetone, than apply gentle pressure on finger print with q-tip.
Put coin gently in second jar for 10 minutes.
Pick up coin by the rim and hold while it air drys.
Done.
If this doesn't work than hammer, chisel and blow torch (in that order). After trying the sandpaper of course.