Fingerprints on silver proofs

prizm II · Mar 9, 2007

Is there a safe way to clean fingerprints from silver proofs? I would hate to damage the mirror surface of these half dollar coins.

l.cutler · Mar 9, 2007

I don't know possibly a careful dip in Acetone. How did they get fingerprints? Proofs are usually sealed in plastic and are not touched in the minting process.

prizm II · Mar 10, 2007

I found 6 silver proofs in a coin counting bag that I bought from a bank.

Zephyr · Mar 11, 2007

(I haven't tried the following, but if you do, you do so at your own risk!)

You could try some rubbing alcohol (on one). It should cut through the fingerprint oils and evaporate off, but how you get off any 'spotting' from the residue is beyond me, unless you blot it with something (non-scratching, of course) like a cotton swab.
And once you get them clean, better pop'em into plastic coin holders...!

Jeffro · Mar 12, 2007

rubbing alcohol and isopropyl have water in them. Try denatured alcohol and a cotton swab. Roll the cotton swab around, don't swirl or rub with it. Should clean the oils right off wothout harming the surface of the coin at all. Try it on another coin if you wanna be sure.

prizm II · Mar 12, 2007

Thanks all for the tips, I will post pics and results when done.

Hydrantman · Feb 7, 2008

I've been using Windex glass cleaner. I spray it on and gently wipe it off and it seems to work very well. Should I not be doing this? I just want to get the finger prints off.

Jeffro · Feb 7, 2008

Hydrantman said:
I've been using Windex glass cleaner. I spray it on and gently wipe it off and it seems to work very well. Should I not be doing this? I just want to get the finger prints off.

Anytime you wipe, you run the risk of scratches. Rolling a cotton tip swab, or even daubing (patting) is less risky.