Finger Cots: Cheap and Easy.

https://www.uline.com/BL_1016/Latex-Finger-Cots?keywords=Finger+Cots+Latex

George,

Saliva is composed of a variety of organic compounds. Organic meaning, it contains carbon. Some examples of organic compounds found in saliva include urea, ammonia, glucose, free fatty acids, triglycerides, amino acids, uric acid, lactate, immunoglobulins, enzymes, mucins, and hormones such as cortisol.
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This is why spittle, droplets of saliva, will cause the growth of black carbon spots on silver and copper coins over time. Although the black spots caused by spittle may not be instantly noticed, it will become very pronounced over time and will permanently imbed carbon into the surface of a coin. Thus, ruining the coin.
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Also, circulating coinage will carry bacteria for the obvious reasons. Therefore, you should always wash your hands when handling any coins or currency that has been in the hands of the public. That is why most bank tellers wear gloves these days.

I’m curious about why masks are in the conversation. I’m not an especially savvy collector, just a casual one. Is a mask recommended so as to not put humidity or germs onto the face of the coins, or is it to prevent yourself getting germs FROM the coins? I recently searched 40 quarter rolls for silver and I caught a cold just after doing it. I wonder if I caught the cold from the germs all over the coins? Thoughts? Thanks.

Kia99,

Yes, practice first. Remember, some chemical dips are fast and some are slow. Sometimes a degreaser might be necessary before the chemical dip to remove the fingerprints first. For the coins that don’t conserve, try buying new ones. But, most of your coins look pretty good. Think of it as a restoration project. A Dansco 7100 would be perfect for what you are trying to do.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/116402388669

Cheers

Well, in this time of long winter nights, it’ll be fun to try things out. First I’ll try pennies from the ubiquitous coin jar.

Gloves: This is what I use.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/154438764244

Kia99,

I’ve given more thought to your inquiry.

If you are feeling energetic and experimental…..this will take some time and money though. You can try your luck dipping those Lincoln Cents. I would use a Q-Tip to agitate those fingerprints. You will have to develop your own technique. Always rinse with Distilled Water several times after the chemical dip. I would recommend high quality compressed air and a good set of tongs. Roll the coins on the edges in a high-grade absorbent table napkin and GENTLEY blow them off with air. Let them dry for 30 minutes covered. Have that new album ready. Roll the dice and see what happens.

https://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/lighthouse-copper-cleaning-fluid.html

Kia99,

I would just leave it be. However, those board style albums are not the best method for storing copper coins for the long haul. I prefer any album that employs the dual plastic lenses on both sides of the coin. I also run some archival scotch tape down along the sides of the pages to seal the pages off from environmental gases. Also, the corrosion inhibiting slip covers appear to have been very effective on my copper coins. Finally, the storage location is equally important. Avoid bookcases, direct sun light, and ventilation vents. You want the coins to experience the least amount of temperature change over time. Same applies to slabs, stamps, currency, and ball cards.

https://www.usmint.gov/learn/collecting-basics/caring-for-your-coin-collection

I hope this helps.

Makes complete sense.

REB,

Taking lessons from the semiconductor industry, it is just MHO that the TPGs should use latex finger cots when handling all coins. They should also employ spittle guards or masks to prevent black carbon spittle spots from showing up on the coins years later. Additionally, hard acetate flips should be used when submitting coins to the TPGs. If I had it my way, environmental conditions at the TPGs would resemble a casual Level 10,000 cleanroom. Fingerprints and carbon spots showing up after grading have been reported by fellow collectors and myself. Also, several times I have observed debris inside of the holders. So, there is room for professional improvement.

Sin no, lack of foresight yes.