How to Handle Coins Without Causing Damage

Your skin has oils. Those oils are acidic. If you touch the face of a mirrored Proof coin with your thumb, you leave a permanent fingerprint that will etch into the metal over time.

The Rules of Engagement

1. Hold by the Edges: Pincher grip. Index finger and thumb on the rim (the reeded edge). Never touch the flat surface.
2. Use Cotton Gloves: If you are handling high-value coins, wear white cotton gloves ($5/pair).
3. Soft Surface: Never hold a coin over a concrete floor. Hold it over a velvet pad or a towel. If you drop it, it survives.

Exception: Junk Silver

You can handle Junk Silver however you want. It's already circulated. Feel free to bury your hands in it like a pirate. That is part of the fun.