Will proof silver coins tarnish if I handle them with my fingers...

[ximmy]

and them put them back in their cases for storage?

I've been using microfibre cloths to handle them up to this point. I saw video of PCGS graders holding coins with their nose picking, butt scratching fingers flipping them around and such while evaluating them... kind of seems bad??

[mamboni]

and them put them back in their cases for storage?

I've been using microfibre cloths to handle them up to this point. I saw video of PCGS graders holding coins with their nose picking, butt scratching fingers flipping them around and such while evaluating them... kind of seems bad??

Yes, they will tarnish and worse, become etched by the oil microdrops left by your fingerprint. DO NOT HANDLE PROOF SILVER COINS WITH YOUR BARE HANDS - THE COINS WILL BE DAMAGED AND DEVALUED. And you must wipe down the coins you have touched to remove your bodily residues or you will discover an unpleasant surprise when you retrieve the coin later - tarnish and etchings.

[Carbon]

Best not to handle them or pop them out of their airtites at all. One doesn't pop the cork just to sniff at fine wine, either... same thing.

[ximmy]

:o
Well, then it's a good thing I've been using my extra absorbent special advanced technology microfibres with grease gathering pockets for super performance... :p

[Heimdhal]

Yeah, on proof silver where you're looking at aesthetics as part of the value, not just the metal, best not to handle them. If you do, cotton gloves would be wise, but I'd avoid fondling them too much.


Now, regular old bullion like eagles and art bars, have a treasure party!

[Dogman]

Cracking into the forbidden zone? May your hands turn black and your conplection trun blue..Dam you have done the ultimate sin.

[Joe King]

:o
Well, then it's a good thing I've been using my extra absorbent special advanced technology microfibres with grease gathering pockets for super performance... :pHave you tried eating potato chips while handling them? I've heard that it's actually good for them.

[MNeagle]

Cotton candy!!

[gunDriller]

Have you tried eating potato chips while handling them? I've heard that it's actually good for them.

nose-picking can be a problem, but butt-scratching has an anti-oxidant effect.

you can even use the silver object to scratch with. in some cases, since some silver stampings have very sharp edges, they may also be used to perform a hemorrhoidectomy. then the anti-microbial properties of silver come in very handy.

however, i would consult Mamboni first, since he is knowledgeable about silver AND medical stuff.

[Libertarian_Guard]

Best advice is that which is a bouncer tells a drunk upon entering a topless bar. Look but don't touch.

[solid]

Best advice is that which is a bouncer tells a drunk upon entering a topless bar. Look but don't touch.

Which is why you shouldn't go to topless bars? :) You just end up frustrated. This is also why I don't own silver proof coins...I know myself, the temptation to fondle is too strong!

[TomD]

I have to handle the ones I photo but use very light cotton gloves made just for the purpose.

[platinumdude]

That the great thing about the other metals, platinum and non 100 percent gold coins. You can hold them and they don't go bad.

[solid]

I have to handle the ones I photo but use very light cotton gloves made just for the purpose.

This is still like having to wear rubber gloves when touching your girlfriend though. It would suck to have a girlfriend you can't touch, a dog you couldn't pet, and a silver coin begging to be held..but stuck trapped in an airtite.

My two bits.

[madfranks]

I used to have a pic of a severely toned Roosevelt proof dime and there was a very evident fingerprint on it. This one is not as good, but this is a proof Barber dime and you can see the fingerprint on it. Like mamboni said, keep your prints off of proofs, they are very susceptible to damage from prints. 1188

[Horn]

Spit on them & rub them with the tail of your shirt, adds character.

Especially those with the queen of Canada on them.