Expert: Dan Moore - 12/23/2008

Question
I have 5 uncirculated nickels, 2 (2004 and 2005)..1 from 2006.

I have an American Eagle Silver Dollar (2008). It says its 1 oz. pure silver right on it. Im not taking them out of the little plastic bags until I hear from you.

I have the full set save for one of the full United States Quarters uncirculated. If I touch them as thats the only way to get them into where I want the State Quarters at least, will it ruin them?

Answer
Lisa,

Touching your uncirculated coins with your bare fingers could possibly damage them over time.  Everyone has oils in their skin, such that when you touch something, it leaves a fingerprint behind.  While you may not see anything right away, over time the oils will react with the metal in the coin and will cause the surface to corrode, leaving black fingerprints and permanently damaging the coin.

You can avoid this if you have some clean cotton gloves.  Wearing them when you handle your coins will prevent the oils from touching the coins.  If you do not have gloves, be sure to only handle the coins by the edges -- never touch the flat surfaces of the coins with your fingers.  If you are careful, you can use a soft towel to substitute for gloves when you handle the coins.

If you do happen to touch the flat surface(s) of a coin with your bare fingers, you should wash your coin to remove the oils.  Mix some liquid dish soap with warm water and carefully wash the coin in it.  Be careful not to rub heavily on the surfaces of the coin so you don't leave any marks on the coin.  Then you need to thoroughly rinse the coin to make sure you do not leave any soap residue behind.  Then carefully pat dry with a soft cloth -- again do not rub the coin, only pat it.

I hope this helps,

Dan