Fingerprints can be damaging to your coin if they are ignored for too long. In most cases, it is advised to hold your coin by its edges and near a soft surface to avoid any damage or marks on the coin. If you have a coin with a fingerprint, it is important to know how long the print has been on your coin. If the fingerprint is fresh, it can usually be removed by using a soft cloth or a solution of soap and water that you have confirmed will not further damage your coin.
If the fingerprint is not detected quickly and has sat on your coin for a while, you may have no way to remove it yourself. The chemicals in body oils can actually affect the coin’s metals and, depending on their chemical properties and storage environment, the fingerprint may permanently set on the coin’s surface. Once set, the fingerprint will be virtually impossible to remove on your own. Copper and Silver coins are most likely to experience this chemical reaction, while Gold coins are less likely. If your coin has a fingerprint on it, you may be able to send it off for professional cleaning to see if it’s possible to remove it at the hands of experienced professionals.
