Grading question

[duece2seven]

I'm curious how fingerprints affect the grade of a coin. I came across an MS-66 wheat last night on the Bay and it struck me funny. My guess is that the owner put the print on the coin just before submittal or one of the graders accidentally put the print there and it didn't show up until after it was slabbed. I can't remember how long it takes for a print to show up so I'm unsure here.

If the graders had caught it, what happens then? Does a print automatically knock it down a Details grade? Thanks


Tracy

[kloccwork419]

http://www.ngccoin.com/news/viewarticle.aspx?NewsletterNewsArticleID=453

[jfines69]

Very good article... Glad this thread came up!!!

[Maineman750]

I really don't like the soap and water mentioned in the article ....and I'm wondering where it mentions how it affects grading...am I missing something?

[Roller]

I really don't like the soap and water mentioned in the article ....and I'm wondering where it mentions how it affects grading...am I missing something?

I agree. I have tried that on worthless coins and would advise against it, strongly.

[jfines69]

I agree on the soap and water non use... It did mention that finger prints can drop the grade but not by how much!!!

[kloccwork419]

It's all about eye appeal...there's no set number to how much or how big it changes the grade. Always depends on the grader for anything. I've never seen a details grade because of a print .

"Fingerprints that have become “set” can have a much larger effect on a coin’s grade than one might think. This is because they are very noticeable when they are fully developed and they detract so much from a coin’s eye appeal. Their size, color, and location combine to determine how much they will influence a grader"

[DCW]

Well, I would tend to think that at the GEM UNC level, a prominent print will knock it down a point.
I've been squarely pissed off by receiving a coin in MS64 and above with a print in the fields. This after thinking it looks MS65 by online photos

[GrumpyEd]

I can handle it if the coin looks like it was a 66 by wear but graded 64 because of the print. And I' get it at 62-63 price.

In 66 I don't expect to see a print.

[kloccwork419]

I can handle it if the coin looks like it was a 66 by wear but graded 64 because of the print. And I' get it at 62-63 price.

Lolol. Exactly