I wrote about patina on coins on another post, and it brought to mind about coins with spots etc. They ruin them and getting them off is impossible to say the least.
Touching coins is bad, most people know that.I think Nightingale wrote about this on another occasion, but I think it bears repeating.
Saliva is as bad or worse.When looking at coins that arent in flips etc, remember when you are talking you "spit" almost everytime you talk. This gets on coins and simply ruins them.
I had this problem with lots of proofs from Panama,among others.I believe its caused by saliva.Cant do much with spotted proofs.But you can with the others.
I have bought coins that looked great, but when I looked @ them a couple months later, they looked like shit.
When I get them(Not Proofs) I gently soak them in a mild mix of dish soap and water. Rince throughly and pat dry with a Microfiber cloth.
I havent had this problem since.
Lol..... Yea it happens. But to keep a coin in a very good condition if you super paranoid, consider wearing a hazmat suit and enjoying the coins in the clean room. I think in 2 hours, you will ditch the suit and walk out. Ha ha ha...
But anyway it really happens. And when it happens, it is just too bad. If you soak them in water for the proof coins with dish washing liquid, chances are it is not wise. Because when a coin is being produce, there is a very thin layer of oil protecting the coin. So by doing so, you may clean of that layer of oil and it will come out differently over the years.
Be kind to people. Sharing is Caring. Collect what you like and not by the Crowd.
To seek for perfection, it is too painful and there is a very high price to pay. To seek for something comfortable is more easy. To seek for nothing is even more easy.
